Mass Timber Office Forum Summary Whitepaper
The Mass Timber Office Forum Summary Whitepaper reviews key insights and outcomes from discussions about the use of mass timber in office construction. The forum, organized by G&T, gathered experts across the construction, insurance, and regulatory sectors to address challenges such as fire risk, insurance barriers, outdated regulations, and limited testing data. The forum generated significant outcomes, including new collaborations, guidance documents, and working groups aimed at promoting the adoption of mass timber in office buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration: Collaboration across stakeholders and experts is critical to the successful delivery of mass timber projects.
- Regulation and Standards: New and updated regulations are needed for wider adoption of mass timber, alongside better access to testing data.
- Insurance and Fire Risk: Overcoming barriers in insurance, particularly regarding fire and water risks, is essential for expanding mass timber usage in offices.
- Education and Incentives: Education around mass timber technologies and government policies linked to net-zero targets will further encourage adoption.
How It Can Help You
This whitepaper is beneficial for developers, insurers, and policymakers who are:
- Interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of mass timber office construction.
- Seeking insights into the regulatory, insurance, and testing frameworks that need to evolve to support mass timber.
- Looking to collaborate with industry experts on solutions for promoting sustainable, low-carbon construction.
Key Learnings
- Collaborative Approach: Greater collaboration among project teams, regulators, and the supply chain is necessary for the successful execution of mass timber projects.
- Regulatory Updates: The lack of clear guidance and testing standards has slowed mass timber’s widespread adoption, necessitating updated codes and regulations.
- Overcoming Insurance Barriers: Addressing concerns related to fire and water risks through enhanced testing and collaboration with insurers will be key to reducing premiums and improving project feasibility.
