The Czech Republic is making strides in sustainable construction with the emergence of its first ecological multi-storey wooden buildings. To facilitate wider adoption, the government must complete necessary legislative changes and implement the Raw Materials Policy for Wood, approved in June 2024.
The Platform for Sustainable Timber Construction, formed last year to address legislative barriers and foster a supportive environment for timber buildings, reports positive developments stemming from increased collaboration between the private and public sectors. Platform members express optimism that revised standards and government policies will establish a stable framework for the construction of wooden multi-storey buildings in the country.
Sustainable wood construction has flourished in Western Europe for years, and now the Czech Republic is following suit. Current regulations allow timber structures up to 12 meters in height, but practical applications for taller buildings remain underdeveloped. During their biannual meeting on September 18, 2024, the Platform members acknowledged recent advancements that pave the way for a more extensive implementation of eco-friendly wooden buildings.
Legislative Changes Needed
The ongoing standard-setting process is critical for the growth of the timber construction sector. While an engineered approach for timber buildings above 12 meters is theoretically possible, it has not been widely applied in practice. However, a joint expert opinion issued by relevant institutions has provided clarity, increasing investor confidence and changing the approach of fire prevention authorities.
Petr Kuklik from UCEEB CTU indicated that a normative solution for multi-storey wooden buildings should be established by the end of this year. This would permit both pure and hybrid timber constructions up to 22.5 meters, with engineering standards applying to taller structures. A proposed amendment to the fire standard is expected to be released in the first half of 2025.
Implementation of the Raw Materials Policy
The Czech government’s Raw Materials Policy for Wood aims to create economic incentives for timber construction, including tax breaks for wooden buildings and a target of at least 20% wood usage in public construction projects. While this policy marks a significant step forward compared to neighboring countries, Platform representatives stress the importance of practical implementation.
Countries like Finland have already set ambitious goals, aiming for 45% of public buildings to be constructed from wood by 2024. The Czech Republic’s initiatives are seen as an opportunity to stimulate the secondary wood processing sector, which can provide significant economic benefits.
State Support and Financial Incentives
The Platform advocates for government involvement as a driving force behind timber construction, viewing it as a vital strategy for decarbonizing the building sector. Successful examples, such as the planned wooden headquarters of Lesy České republiky in Hradec Králové, demonstrate the potential of wood as a sustainable building material.
To further promote timber construction, the Platform suggests introducing financial support measures, such as tax reductions for timber buildings and incentives for loans aimed at sustainable construction projects. These initiatives could foster competition and innovation within the sector.
Current and Future Projects
Recent developments indicate that the Czech Republic is poised for a transformation in timber construction. UBM Development Czechia has completed Timber Prague, the capital’s first multi-storey residential timber buildings. Other projects, including Skanska’s Dřevák apartment building and Linkcity’s wooden construction in Pardubice, are also underway.
The advantages of wooden construction are substantial; timber is renewable, energy-efficient, and contributes to decarbonization efforts. Modern technologies, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), enhance the strength, load-bearing capacity, and fire resistance of wooden structures while promoting a healthy indoor environment.
About the Platform for Sustainable Timber Construction
Founded in response to the need for legislative reform, the Platform for Sustainable Timber Construction comprises 16 entities from various sectors of the real estate market, including UBM Development Czechia and Prodesi/Domesi. Together, they aim to facilitate the growth of multi-storey timber buildings in the Czech Republic, aligning the country with sustainable construction practices observed in Western Europe.
Photo: UBM Development Czechia, Timber Praha
