2023 saw the global wooden structure construction industry accelerate its low-carbon transition, with Asia emerging as the fastest-growing regional market. Though China’s annual construction volume slightly fell below the five-year average, its application scope expanded significantly—covering schools (Chengdu Qingbaijiang Primary School), bridges (Binzhou Feihong Bridge), and sports venues (Shanghai Chongming Island Natatorium) . Globally, the sector maintained growth momentum, driven by the “wood-to-steel/concrete substitution” trend, as wood’s carbon footprint (200-250 kg CO₂eq/m³) is far lower than steel (1200-2000 kg CO₂eq/ton) and cement (500-600 kg CO₂eq/ton) .
Hybrid structures and material innovation became industry highlights in 2023. Internationally, Sweden introduced mandatory life-cycle carbon reporting for new buildings, pushing for wider use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) . In China, large-span projects like Taiyuan Botanical Garden adopted wood-concrete composite systems, balancing structural stability and low-carbon performance . Digital fabrication also advanced: prefabricated wooden components accounted for over 60% of multi-story projects, cutting on-site construction time by 30% .
Policy support and market demand deepened synergies. China’s “14th Five-Year Plan for Forestry and Grassland Development” prioritized wood structure building industrialization, while France raised its 2030 target for bio-based materials in public buildings to 50% . Market demand shifted further from low-rise villas to urban public facilities, though cost gaps (15-20% higher than concrete) and sustainable wood supply remained key challenges
