Minister Väyrynen: Finland should launch a programme for promoting wood construction
Press release 357/2010
8 December 2010
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen believes Finland should soon launch an extensive international programme for promoting wood construction.
”Increasing wood usage is an effective tool for fighting climate change. A single cubic metre of wood can store about a tonne of carbon dioxide. According to calculations, a 10 percent increase in wood construction would account for 25 percent of the Kyoto emission targets,” Minister Väyrynen said.
Minister Väyrynen finds it unfortunate that the EU has not taken steps to promote wood construction, even though opportunities of green economy are prioritized in many contexts. As far as construction is concerned, the EU has primarily concentrated on viable single market policies.
”The Commission is reluctant to promote one construction material over the others, although the benefits of wood construction for climate and environmental policies have become evident also in the EU. A comparative study of the life cycle impacts of construction materials, as proposed by a Foreign Ministry working group, should be accomplished as soon as possible. It should make officials and politicians acknowledge the benefits of wood construction."
Minister Väyrynen believes that increasing wood construction would have a substantial impact on Finnish national economy and employment. Moreover, it would create opportunities for cooperation with Russia.
”Energy efficiency, climate change and environmental issues are expected to emerge as guiding factors for Russian decision-making. Russian authorities have already started paying attention to promoting wood construction in their programmes. A common interest will create vast opportunities for bilateral forestry cooperation and Finnish companies operating in Russia,” Minister Väyrynen stressed.
Väyrynen spoke on Wednesday, 8 December at the publication of a report by the working group on promoting wood construction he appointed in the spring of 2010.
Further information: Hanna Saarni, Press Attaché to the Minister, tel. +358 400 739 824