On February 13, 2023, a hearing organized by the Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure, and the Information Society (TEN) explored the potential of wood construction in reducing CO2 emissions and thereby contributing to the EU's goal of climate neutrality.
e-SAFE in parallel with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) studies focuses on the importance of wooden construction for Co2 reduction in the building sector. Indeed, many e-SAFE technologies are made of timber structures.
Participants in the event included civil society organizations, representatives of European institutions, and other interested parties were there to discuss how to create more sustainable and less polluting buildings
To implement the Green Deal, the EESC has been working to provide practical guidance on developing affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient housing, including social housing in accordance with the Renovation Wave Strategy and the New European Bauhaus. Similar activities are currently under implementation within e-SAFE project local platforms.
The importance of the building sector was at the heart of the hearing, where the members pointed out that the increase of renewable resources, and in particular the proportion of wood used in building materials, are key factors in reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the objective of lowering greenhouse gas emissions increased the number of job and business opportunities in the wood industry, and the importance of safeguarding the health and safety of workers.
The Committee is contributing to the debate with its exploratory opinion on Wooden construction for CO2 reduction in the building sector, as requested by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU, which e-SAFE project be closely following.