{"id":2131918,"date":"2026-09-07T05:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T02:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2131918"},"modified":"2026-09-07T05:00:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T02:00:14","slug":"the-big-question-is-timber-the-secret-to-affordable-housing-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2131918","title":{"rendered":"The Big Question: Is timber the secret to affordable housing in Europe?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/92\/02\/1200x675_cmsv2_51e994b8-79f4-53bb-a44b-cfcd2931df49-9839202.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2923764-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923764\" data-cid=\"9904281\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923764-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/42\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_c98e65de-2769-5bbd-bb6c-72ed618908e3-9904281.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rescue workers continue to search for people trapped under the debris of a collapsed building in New Delhi, 7 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    India<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rescuers look for survivors after India hostel collapse kills seven\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923758-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2923758\" data-cid=\"9904225\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923758-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/42\/81\/189x106_cmsv2_c98e65de-2769-5bbd-bb6c-72ed618908e3-9904281.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rescue workers continue to search for people trapped under the debris of a collapsed building in New Delhi, 7 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    India<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rescuers look for survivors after India hostel collapse kills seven\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923758-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923758\" data-cid=\"9904225\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923758-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/42\/25\/189x106_cmsv2_7619c886-6109-5b4a-814f-92ccff34c778-9904225.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A poster promotes C\u00e9line Dion&apos;s autumn concerts in Paris, France\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Paris flight searches surge ahead of C\u00e9line Dion&#8217;s comeback concerts\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923685-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923685\" data-cid=\"9903870\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923685-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/38\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_e29cb4cf-04ab-57a8-ab3c-6ee1047fb2a0-9903870.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - The Douglas County Google Data Center complex is seen, Friday, 6 March 2026, in Lithia Springs, Ga. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Can tech giants curb AI data centres\u2019 growing thirst for water?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923709-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2923709\" data-cid=\"9903980\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923709-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/39\/80\/189x106_cmsv2_c254fd6e-68d8-50b8-b7a4-80bf2da2d6ae-9903980.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Top AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund speaks in front of a reading &quot;it starts here&quot; at an election party of the &quot;Alternative for Germany&quot; (AfD) after the Saxony-Anhalt state elect\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Could an AfD victory put Germany\u2019s economic recovery at risk?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Business<\/p>\n<p>                          Business Series<\/p>\n<p>                          The Big Question<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            The Big Question: Is timber the secret to affordable housing in Europe?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/92\/02\/1536x864_cmsv2_51e994b8-79f4-53bb-a44b-cfcd2931df49-9839202.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee, director general of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) on The Big Question\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee, director general of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) on The Big Question<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspHannah Brown&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbsp<b>Angela Barnes<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1788757214\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-09-07 07:00:14 +02:00\">07\/09\/2026 &#8211; 7:00 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"11:47\">11:47<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header 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alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Europe is scaling up its timber industry, but unsustainable growth could prove disastrous.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--business js-article-content\">\n<p>According to the European Commission, the construction sector is responsible for over 35% of the EU\u2019s total waste generation.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The greenhouse gas emissions from material extraction and the manufacturing of construction products, as well as the construction and renovation of buildings, are estimated to produce 5-12% of total national GHG emissions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe global construction sector has doubled its carbon footprint in the last three decades and is set to double it again by 2050,\u201d Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>But with more than two million homes needing to be built every year across the bloc to meet current demand \u2014 a 25% increase on current construction \u2014 how do we balance ever-growing urban spaces with our environmental targets?<\/p>\n<p>In this episode of The Big Question, Dr. Bhattacharjee, director general of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) joined Angela Barnes in the studio to discuss whether Europe can scale up its sustainable timber industry and achieve its construction goals. <\/p>\n<h2>Are timber homes safe?<\/h2>\n<p>With deadlines looming and environmental policy tightening, a clear shift towards the use of timber is under way in Europe. Historically, unlike the US, Europeans have usually opted for concrete, steel and brick. <\/p>\n<p>But do timber constructions offer quality, value for money and safety? Do they pose a fire risk as <strong>wildfires blaze across the continent<\/strong> in the summer?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere need not be a quality compromise, because recent innovations in engineered wood creates stronger and more versatile structures,\u201d Subhra explained. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd it gives you a material that is both weather resistant, <strong>fire resistant<\/strong>, lighter, and yet stronger. So quality compromises need not to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And Subhra is confident it\u2019s only going to get better as innovation continues.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/92\/02\/808x454_cmsv2_068d8f51-72fa-5727-b654-1f18a3163de1-9839202.jpg\" alt=\"Director general of the FSC, Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee joined Angela Barnes in the studio for the latest episode of The Big Question\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Director general of the FSC, Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee joined Angela Barnes in the studio for the latest episode of The Big Question<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Concrete just got a makeover and could slash the cost of housing in Europe<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">House prices and rents: Where did they rise most in early 2026?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Are timber homes expensive?<\/h2>\n<p>The processes around constructing with timber are much cheaper than traditional techniques used in Europe, so, in theory, those savings can be passed on to the buyers. Subhra suggested the cost can be up to 25% lower than those for traditionally constructed homes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe cost differential comes because first, the transportation costs are lower &#8211; it&#8217;s lighter to handle. Your on-site labour costs are lowered because you can bring in prefabricated structures and that results first in the buildings or the construction getting done faster, but also lowering your insurance costs for the duration of the construction.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For home-owners themselves, insurance is taking a little longer to catch up, however. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe insurers need to be educated about the new timber products &#8211; the engineered timber products which are fire resistant and which can hold up against fire risks.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>That work is ongoing, Subhra explained, with constructors, production companies and insurers now communicating more closely than before. This shift is gathering pace, and in areas where fire risk is lower, insurance rates are already starting to stabilise. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo it is only a matter of time before the insurance industry catches up,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-2\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Child labour, exploitation and deforestation: Is this the true taste of chocolate?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Is timber good for Europe\u2019s economy?<\/h2>\n<p>According to Eurofer, the steel sector generated approximately \u20ac152 billion in gross value added and directly employed 293,000 people in 2025. And so, does a scale-up of the timber industry mean a decline in the steel industry?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven that housing needs are growing very fast I don&#8217;t see the potential for a full out downturn,\u201d Subhra predicted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat would be an ideal scenario would be low-carbon cement, recycled steel and construction timber complementing in bringing down the carbon footprint of the entire sector and contributing to low-cost housing that is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And even with some <strong>reductions in the steel industry<\/strong>, the growth potential for timber is an exciting economic prospect. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cNorth America and Europe are the two markets where timber construction is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. It is a $5 billion (\u20ac4.32bn) market that&#8217;s growing at 10% on average per year. So the potential is huge.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In addition, <strong>the green economy<\/strong> is expected to create around 1.5 million new jobs, including those needed to replace retired workers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the green construction sector, specifically the timber construction sector there will be the need for increased skilled labour. Skilled labour means higher income, higher wage labour. So, the employment potentials are large.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut once you trace it down the supply chain, in terms of the manufacturing of engineered wood, in terms of the needs for more responsible forest management, rural economies are likely to get revitalised. There&#8217;s potential across the entire supply chain from the forest floor all the way up to the building,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>The Big Question<\/em><\/strong><em>is a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today\u2019s agenda.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Watch the video above to see the full discussion about Europe\u2019s timber industry.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 Edited by Arno Aubert<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/91\/91\/480x270_cmsv2_57459291-e868-56f0-a6fb-f1f902bc9b7b-9839191.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Gareth Wilson, Executive Vice-President at Capgemini, on The Big Question\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Big Question<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The Big Question: Is Europe getting more and more millionaires?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2904007-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2904007\" data-cid=\"9808710\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2904007-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/80\/87\/10\/480x270_cmsv2_5a6cd65c-1dec-596b-b16a-49d09c8dfdb7-9808710.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Maciej Witucki, president of BusinessEurope on The Big Question.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Big Question<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u2018The clock is ticking\u2019: Why Europe urgently needs a single market<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2901040-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2901040\" data-cid=\"9793937\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2901040-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/79\/39\/37\/480x270_cmsv2_03af6316-2834-540b-be54-268e9c7fef2c-9793937.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Chair of European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Verena Ross on The Big Question\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Big Question<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    \u20ac37 trillion sitting idle: Why are Europeans afraid to invest?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  housing crisis<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Housing<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Green building<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Construction<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Forests<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Steel industry<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" 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class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/39\/80\/320x180_cmsv2_c254fd6e-68d8-50b8-b7a4-80bf2da2d6ae-9903980.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Top AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund speaks in front of a reading &quot;it starts here&quot; at an election party of the &quot;Alternative for Germany&quot; (AfD) after the Saxony-Anhalt state elect\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why AfD victory raises a new risk for Germany\u2019s economic recovery<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923700-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923700\" data-cid=\"9903946\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923700-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/39\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_776fa643-b654-5659-a423-af49f69af058-9903946.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. CEO of EDF Bernard Fontan and France&apos;s President Emmanuel Macron pose for a family picture during a visit of the Penly nuclear power plant in France, Mar. 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French EDF Energy in talks to acquire smaller British rival So Energy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923675-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923675\" data-cid=\"9903823\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923675-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/38\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_5a76cfe0-bd45-5aa2-b600-50705b282b5d-9903823.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min and Pan Gongsheng, head of China Central Bank, arrive for the G20 Finance Ministerial in North Carolina, 31 Aug. 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    China injects over \u20ac45 billion into state banks and insurers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923648-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923648\" data-cid=\"9903603\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2923648-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/36\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_9a901545-b1b6-56e5-862b-4e5207adeef3-9903603.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"People buy goods and food at a street market in Istanbul, Turkey - FILE PHOTO\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Turkey hikes inflation forecast to 28.4% as war pushes outlook higher<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922779-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922779\" data-cid=\"9899727\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2922779-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/89\/97\/27\/320x180_cmsv2_d7b47b6c-00aa-5d1d-812d-3e2a8720391f-9899727.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Trucks, containers and cargo ships are pictured at the new Maasvlakte terminal in the harbor of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s busiest ports ranked: Which handle the most cargo?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923105-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923105\" data-cid=\"9901892\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    STIHL chief calls for longer hours without extra pay in reform push<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923049-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923049\" data-cid=\"9901134\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why is fuel expensive when crude oil hasn&#8217;t hit record highs?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923368-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923368\" data-cid=\"9902639\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fitch upgrades Portugal to A+, its best credit rating in 15 years<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2922779-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2922779\" data-cid=\"9899727\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe&#8217;s busiest ports ranked: Which handle the most cargo?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2923139-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2923139\" data-cid=\"9901720\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--grey\">Euroviews. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>    STIHL chief: Reforms \u2014 this is how we can retain our prosperity<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">According to the European Commission, the construction sector is responsible for over 35% of the EU\u2019s total waste generation.The greenhouse gas emissions from material extraction and the manufacturing of construction products, as well as the construction and renovation of buildings, are estimated to produce 5-12% of total national GHG emissions.\u201cThe global construction sector has doubled its carbon footprint in the last three decades and is set to double it again by 2050,\u201d Dr. Subhra Bhattacharjee told Euronews.But with more than two million homes needing to be built every year across the bloc to meet current demand \u2014 a 25% increase on current construction \u2014 how do we balance ever-growing urban spaces with our environmental targets?In this episode of The Big Question, Dr. Bhattacharjee, director general of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) joined Angela Barnes in the studio to discuss whether Europe can scale up its sustainable timber industry and achieve its construction goals.\u00a0Are timber homes safe?With deadlines looming and environmental policy tightening, a clear shift towards the use of timber is under way in Europe. Historically, unlike the US, Europeans have usually opted for concrete, steel and brick.\u00a0But do timber constructions offer quality, value for money and safety? Do they pose a fire risk as wildfires blaze across the continent in the summer?\u201cThere need not be a quality compromise, because recent innovations in engineered wood creates stronger and more versatile structures,\u201d Subhra explained.\u00a0\u201cAnd it gives you a material that is both weather resistant, fire resistant, lighter, and yet stronger. So quality compromises need not to be there.\u201dAnd Subhra is confident it\u2019s only going to get better as innovation continues.Are timber homes expensive?The processes around constructing with timber are much cheaper than traditional techniques used in Europe, so, in theory, those savings can be passed on to the buyers. Subhra suggested the cost can be up to 25% lower than those for traditionally constructed homes.\u201cThe cost differential comes because first, the transportation costs are lower &#8211; it&#8217;s lighter to handle. Your on-site labour costs are lowered because you can bring in prefabricated structures and that results first in the buildings or the construction getting done faster, but also lowering your insurance costs for the duration of the construction.\u201dFor home-owners themselves, insurance is taking a little longer to catch up, however.\u00a0\u201cThe insurers need to be educated about the new timber products &#8211; the engineered timber products which are fire resistant and which can hold up against fire risks.\u201d\u00a0That work is ongoing, Subhra explained, with constructors, production companies and insurers now communicating more closely than before. This shift is gathering pace, and in areas where fire risk is lower, insurance rates are already starting to stabilise.\u00a0\u201cSo it is only a matter of time before the insurance industry catches up,\u201d she continued.Is timber good for Europe\u2019s economy?According to Eurofer, the steel sector generated approximately \u20ac152 billion in gross value added and directly employed 293,000 people in 2025. And so, does a scale-up of the timber industry mean a decline in the steel industry?\u201cGiven that housing needs are growing very fast I don&#8217;t see the potential for a full out downturn,\u201d Subhra predicted.\u201cWhat would be an ideal scenario would be low-carbon cement, recycled steel and construction timber complementing in bringing down the carbon footprint of the entire sector and contributing to low-cost housing that is needed.\u201dAnd even with some reductions in the steel industry, the growth potential for timber is an exciting economic prospect.\u00a0\u201cNorth America and Europe are the two markets where timber construction is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. It is a $5 billion (\u20ac4.32bn) market that&#8217;s growing at 10% on average per year. So the potential is huge.\u201dIn addition, the green economy is expected to create around 1.5 million new jobs, including those needed to replace retired workers.\u201cIn the green construction sector, specifically the timber construction sector there will be the need for increased skilled labour. Skilled labour means higher income, higher wage labour. So, the employment potentials are large.\u201d\u201cBut once you trace it down the supply chain, in terms of the manufacturing of engineered wood, in terms of the needs for more responsible forest management, rural economies are likely to get revitalised. There&#8217;s potential across the entire supply chain from the forest floor all the way up to the building,\u201d she concluded.The Big Question is a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today\u2019s agenda.Watch the video above to see the full discussion about Europe\u2019s timber industry.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/2026\/09\/07\/the-big-question-is-timber-the-secret-to-affordable-housing-in-europe&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/92\/02\/1200x675_cmsv2_51e994b8-79f4-53bb-a44b-cfcd2931df49-9839202.jpg&#8221;] India Rescuers look for survivors after India hostel collapse kills seven Travel News Paris flight searches surge ahead of C\u00e9line Dion&#8217;s comeback concerts Tech News Can tech giants curb AI data centres\u2019 growing thirst for water? Economy Could an AfD victory put Germany\u2019s economic recovery at risk? India Rescuers look for survivors [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2131918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2131918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2131918\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2131918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2131918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2131918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}