In the EDUwood research project, several chairs at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) investigated the climate protection potential of timber construction. Participating were the Chair of Architecture and Timber Construction, the Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction, and the Chair of Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Planning and Building. The findings show that timber construction can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 27 percent compared to conventional reinforced concrete construction. When also considering building technology and operational energy demand, the savings potential amounts to up to twelve percent.

The study focused on the planned campus of the Technical University of Nuremberg (UTN). Five building typologies relevant to university construction were examined: office, seminar, laboratory, assembly, and technical facilities. The goal was to analyze sustainable construction methods and develop concrete recommendations for planners and builders to integrate climate-efficient solutions from the early planning phases.

In addition to ecological benefits, timber construction also offers economic advantages. Shorter construction times and lower financing costs make it an attractive alternative to conventional mineral-based construction.

The EDUwood research project clearly demonstrates how sustainable planning and construction can contribute to emission reduction. The findings serve as a guide for climate-friendly construction planning and could set a precedent for future university buildings.