Survey Reveals Shifting Perceptions on Timber Use in Japanese Buildings

A recent survey by Nikkei BP Research Institute, commissioned by Japan’s Forestry Agency for its FY2024 subsidy project, sheds light on the evolving perceptions and challenges surrounding timber use in the Japanese construction industry. The study gathered insights from 166 designers and builders, 47 real estate professionals, and 318 businesspeople, offering a comprehensive view of the sector’s current stance on timber construction.

Positive Perceptions of Timber

Designers and builders predominantly associate timber with the “effective use of forest resources,” highlighting its role in sustainable construction practices. Real estate professionals echo this sentiment, while also emphasizing timber’s contribution to the revitalization of local industries and its alignment with social contribution and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Businesspeople, on the other hand, prioritize timber’s “beautiful design,” followed by its sustainable attributes, comfort, and a sense of luxury. This indicates a growing appreciation for timber’s aesthetic and environmental benefits across various stakeholders.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the positive outlook, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of timber in construction:

• Cost Implications: Designers and builders cite high construction costs as a significant barrier. While they show increased willingness to accept these costs compared to previous surveys, real estate professionals’ acceptance levels remain largely unchanged.
• Maintenance and Durability: Real estate professionals express concerns about the maintenance demands of timber structures. Businesspeople are particularly wary of timber’s vulnerability to fire, its durability, and earthquake resistance.
• Skill Shortages: A notable shortage of skilled designers and builders proficient in timber construction techniques poses a challenge to the industry’s growth.

Opportunities and Market Trends

The survey reveals a growing trend among designers and builders to propose timber buildings, especially for non-residential projects. This aligns with broader market movements, as the non-residential wood construction sector in Japan is projected to reach 880 billion yen in FY2024, with expectations to grow to 1.14 trillion yen by FY2030 .Yano Research

Businesspeople’s emphasis on comfort and wellbeing suggests that highlighting these aspects could justify the higher costs associated with timber construction. Furthermore, the increasing demand for CO₂ emission calculations, particularly from real estate companies to general contractors, underscores the industry’s shift towards environmentally responsible building practices.

Strategic Implications for the Japanese Building Industry

The insights from the Nikkei BP survey indicate a pivotal moment for timber construction in Japan. To capitalize on this momentum, the industry must address the highlighted challenges:

• Education and Training: Investing in the development of skilled professionals specialized in timber construction is crucial.
• Cost Management: Innovative solutions to manage and reduce construction costs can make timber a more viable option for a broader range of projects.
• Public Awareness: Educating stakeholders about the benefits of timber, including its sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and contribution to occupant wellbeing, can drive demand.

As Japan continues to focus on ESG investments and building environmental value, timber construction stands poised to become a mainstream practice, blending tradition with modern sustainability goals.