Mapping the biotic degradation hazard of wood in Europe – biophysical background, engineering applications, and climate change-induced prospects

Abstract

Construction using timber has seen a resurgence in light of global climate mitigation policies. Wood is a renewable resource, and engineered wood products are proving to be competitive against concrete and steel while having several advantages. However, while the renewable nature of wood in construction is a beneficial property for climate mitigation policies, the process of biodegradation introduces a challenge for service life planning. A review of hazard mapping is presented while developing contemporary hazard maps, occurrence maps and projected hazard maps for 2050 using representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5. The risk of timber decay is expected to increase in most of Europe as the temperatures rise, with a decrease expected in dryer regions. Termites are likely to experience a range expansion as more areas become suitable, while human activity and an increase in extreme weather events like floods are expected to facilitate dispersion. Marine borer species already present a risk in most European coastal regions; however, the effect of changes in water temperatures are likely to shift the boundaries for individual borer species. Overall, warmer climates are expected to increase the metabolic activity of all of these organisms leading to a general reduction in service life.

Photostability of Oil-Coated and Stain-Coated Acetylated Hornbeam Wood against Natural Weather and Artificial Aging

“…The Scheffer Climate Index of this site is 42.1 [57], which indicates intermediately favorable conditions for decay. This index is similar to other reports regarding the SCI of different countries, including Hungary [63][64][65][66].…”

Wood Preservation Practices and Future Outlook: Perspectives of Experts from Finland

“…During the interviews, it was reported that the termite spread will increase due to climate change, especially in wood products exported to hot countries, and that necessary measures should be taken accordingly. This finding can be associated with the finding underlined in the study by van Niekerk et al [103] that those warmer climates are expected to increase the metabolic activities of all wood-threatening organisms such as termites, leading to an overall reduction in the service life of wooden structures.…”

Emerging Engineered Wood for Building Applications

“…A majority of future buildings will be erected in hot and humid climates, favorable conditions not only for the growth of decay fungi but also for termites, which are major threats to wood structures. Research on efficient but environmentally friendly protection against termites is of utmost importance, also given the fact that climate change will favor the spreading of termites around the globe …”