Standardisation and digitalisation of wood now agreed

“The standardisation and digitalisation project is a significant step forward for the whole wood industry. This work is already giving wood construction unique advantages, and will continue to do so over the long term,” says Christer Green, project manager for digitalisation at Swedish Wood, in a press release describing the project.

Traceable origin

The initiative will lead to more extensive information about the wood products, which in turn will lead to improved productivity and less of a climate impact from building work. The planks bought direct from the builders’ merchant, the prefabricated walls and the glulam beams supporting a structure will be traceable back to the forest where the tree originally grew, which will allow for a detailed statement of what a building project has involved.

“Once the industry is able to make the right choice at the right time and in the right part of the construction process, the groundwork will have been laid for the future of sustainable building. Knowing exactly what is in the walls of a structure also paves the way for recycling on a whole new level,” says Johan Fröbel, Head of Technology and
Distribution at Swedish Wood.

Wood leading the way

In less than two years, on 1 January 2022, Sweden may adopt a climate act relating to the construction of new buildings. The bill currently being worked on by the government and the parliamentary committees proposes that every new building must carry a climate declaration. It will then be critical for many companies to be able to compile digital “climate data” automatically, which might keep costs down.

“If we hadn’t made this change now in an organised way, we would have been forced into a digital change sooner or later. Now the wood industry is leading the way in establishing how best to tackle new requirements and expectations,” says Christer Green.

Same high quality

In Norra Timber, Construction Products is the main department monitoring and contributing to the project.

“Along with Patrik Rådin, who works as Product Administrator, it is my responsibility in the department to coordinate all the products sold by the old Norra Skogsägarna and Norrskog respectively, and bring them together into a uniform offering under the Norra Timber brand,” says Product Manager Ola Wilhelmsson.

“Our customers shouldn’t notice any difference – wherever we decide to produce our goods, all the products will deliver the same high, well-defined quality. This is also an ideal time to adapt the products to national and international standards, and prepare for the smooth digital exchange of information in the exciting digital reality of the construction industry.”

Source: svenskttra.se