Low-carbon expert Kari Nöjd from Sweco was responsible for the concept store carbon footprint calculations commissioned by Lidl. According to Nöjd, using wood in construction is an excellent step towards carbon neutrality.

“Before wood is used for construction, it grows and breathes carbon out of the atmosphere. Carbon remains bound to the tree and timber throughout its existence. It increases the building’s carbon handprint, or positive climate impact,” Nöjd says.

Social impact of wood contstruction

Susanna Friman from Sweco was the structural engineer and project manager of the project. She had already had the opportunity to participate in projects concerned with designing wood-structured stores for Lidl in Visby and Sigtuna at Sweco Sweden.Friman thinks that the first wood-structured Lidl store in Finland will have a social impact beyond its size. Wooden construction on this scale has previously been mostly seen in public buildings in Finland, such as schools. According to Friman, the reason for the relatively low share of wood-structured buildings may be that, at this stage, each project is still unique and must be planned meticulously, whereas concrete high risers have been built for decades.

“It’s great to see that the private sector is also starting to look at the benefits of wood construction and has the courage to implement it,” Friman says.

Even though wooden structures can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Friman stresses that planning is always conducted from the point of view of the building first and foremost. Not everything can be constructed out of wood, think foundations and fastenings.

“The idea is to use wood when it is ideal,” Friman says.

According to Jarmas from Lidl, the company wants to act responsibly and be a pioneer in reducing the environmental impact of construction. Jarmas says that the first wood-structured Lidl in Finland is a pilot project used to map how the use of wood structures affects the planning, schedule, process and price of construction. Thus far, working with Sweco on planning and cooperation with element suppliers has been a positive experience.

“We had already conducted excellent cooperation with Sweco before. Sweco knows our operating culture and requirements and is able to offer proven solutions as an experienced structural engineer,” Jarmas says.

Tried and true customer experience with a little something extra

Even though steel and concrete were replaced with wood on the Lidl construction site in Riihimäki, the objective was to nevertheless provide customers with the same customer experience as in any Lidl store.

“The store is a concept store to a great degree, and we must be able to provide the same level of quality and customer experience in all our store buildings,” Jarmas says.

However, the new store will have some new tricks up its sleeve. The design implemented exposed wood in the checkout area due to its calming effect. Jarmas also reveals that the roof of the store will be fitted with 300 solar panels.

Jarmas hopes that other operators would also build with wood – it is one of the objectives of the government after all that Finland be carbon-neutral by 2035. Piloting and experimenting will always yield new information about the possibilities of wood construction.