Public Procurement as an engine for timber construction in Europe

The study compares national approaches in Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Slovenia, and Spain, revealing a common recognition of timber as a climate-friendly building material, though each country pursues this goal in its own way.

• Austria has promoted public timber construction projects through a CO₂ bonus (1 € per kg of timber used) and supports municipalities through a federal platform for sustainable procurement (naBe).
• The Czech Republic is strengthening timber construction through its National Timber Policy (2024-2035), which includes guidelines for public clients, normative adjustments, and a national platform for sustainable procurement.
• Finland aims for 45% of new public buildings to be timber-based by 2025, under its Wood Building Programme.
• France has committed to using at least 25% bio-based materials in new public buildings from 2030 onwards.
• Germany combines simplifying legal frameworks, funding incentives and training measures to encourage timber use in public projects.
• Slovenia mandates a 30% wood quota in public buildings by law.
• Spain supports regional initiatives, particularly in social housing in regions like Galicia and Catalonia.

The report underscores that public procurement is a powerful lever for establishing timber construction as a climate-friendly standard in Europe. Countries that combine binding targets, financial incentives and central coordination tend to achieve the most progress in increasing the share of timber buildings in construction.

To fully harness the potential of timber in public construction, the study recommends a more integrated approach. This includes strengthening the skills and knowledge of public procurement professionals, improving alignment between planning and implementation, and expanding training opportunities. By fostering stronger cooperation between administration, policymakers, and industry, countries can accelerate the shift toward timber as a standard material in sustainable public building practices across Europe.