Perception of Timber in Italy: Accelerating Change at MIND
This report explores the perception of timber construction in Italy and highlights the barriers limiting its adoption in the construction industry. The project, coordinated by Climate-KIC Holding B.V., involved workshops with stakeholders, including real estate operators, public administrations, insurance companies, and academic institutions. Key topics include the economic, financial, environmental, and policy aspects influencing the mass timber market in Italy. The report also presents a comprehensive overview of the Italian timber construction sector, offering data on sales, companies, and the state of Italian forests.
Key Takeaways
- Market Overview: Italy ranks as the 4th largest European market for timber construction, with the majority of companies located in Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.
- Barriers to Adoption: Technical knowledge gaps, high raw material prices, and concerns about investment returns and insurance hinder the widespread use of timber in construction.
- Sustainability Potential: Italy is 36% forested, but forest exploitation is limited, highlighting the potential for improving the supply chain and supporting sustainable timber practices.
How It Can Help You
This report is valuable for industry professionals, policymakers, and environmental researchers seeking to:
- Understand the challenges facing timber adoption in the Italian construction market.
- Explore opportunities for overcoming barriers to timber usage.
- Access detailed data on the Italian timber industry, including revenue, import/export statistics, and forest management.
Key Learnings
- Barriers to Timber Adoption: Issues like the high fluctuation of raw material prices and limited technical expertise are preventing timber from being more widely adopted in Italian construction.
- Potential for Growth: Italy’s rich forest resources and timber market can support more sustainable construction if forest management and supply chain practices are improved.
- Policy and Economic Support: Facilitating financial products and insurance for timber construction, along with policy changes, are critical for accelerating the adoption of timber as a building material.
Date: 2023
