Contact Person: Prof. Dr. Gabriele Weber-Blaschke

Wood is the most important renewable raw, building, and engineered material available in Germany. It is also a significant energy source. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂₎ from the atmosphere during production and bind the carbon (C) in the biomass especially wood. Thus, by using wood, we can make a significant contribution to climate protection. Material and energy flow analyses for wood as a raw material as well as for the diverse wood products throughout their entire life cycle, in addition with comparisons to non-wood products, are necessary to develop strategies for the efficient and sustainable use of wood. 

With our research group at the Institute of Forest Management, and as a member of the Wood Research Munich, we analyze the life cycle of wood from forest production to the use of (recovered) wood products and evaluate options for the sustainable wood use within the framework of a circular bioeconomy. We combine and further develop methods of material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, scenario analysis, and sustainability assessment to also capture substitution and displacement effects, as well as unintended consequences within the bioeconomy and circular economy. 

The results are made available to the scientific community, policymakers, society, and practitioners through research reports, dissertations, publications and policy papers to collaboratively develop strategies for an efficient and sustainable resource use. Additionally, this new knowledge is incorporated into the education of our students, including courses such as Raw Materials Markets, Life Cycle Assessment, Current Developments in Wood Research, Material Flow Management and Application, and Wood-based Bioeconomy: Assessment of Innovative Wood Product Systems.