Case Study 1
Value from damage – Austria

Value from Damage

The focus of Case Study 1 (CS1) is increasing value from wood damaged by storms, snow and insects. Outputs will include a value-chain Decision Support System (DSS), as well as methods and guidelines for increasing wood value on Austrian stands damaged by storms, snow and insects.

To accomplish this the CS1 team will:

examine an optimisation-based value chain decision support system (DSS) for exploring opportunities and implementing solutions that enhance the value of wood damaged by snow and insects, while also increasing forest value by producing more structural and niche high-value products;
test treatments for roundwood storage in the forest and log yards at mills, and wood characterization methods that provide timely information for more agile and highly responsive delivery of timber to end customers;
improve biogenic carbon accounting in Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (E-LCA) of forest products.

Contact

CS1 Leader: Wood K plus (Austria)

Contact: Axel Solt-Rindler | a.solt-rindler@wood-kplus.at

Beetle damage to tree - Value from Damage

Challenge

Between 2018–2022, wood damage due to disasters in Austria exceeded 40 million solid cubic meters, thus, Austrian forestry is facing loss of value and reduced profitability, with a significant social impacts on rural communities located near forests. In 2023, 47.4% of the total harvest in Austria was damaged (up 24.2% from 2022). Causes of the 2023 damage were: bark beetle (45%), storms (36%), other including snow (18%).

Opportunity

The opportunity is to examine: i) forest management strategies through an optimisation modelling that results in less damaged wood, more carbon captured and stored, and more sustainable value chains, and ii) opportunities for increasing or creating value from low-value stands/wood damaged by biotic and abiotic agents.