Wood

In many low-lying regions or at sun-exposed places in Switzerland, trees have put on their autumn colors already in late August – much too early. WSL researchers explain the underlying factors.

Timber construction is undergoing a renaissance in Switzerland. ETH researchers at the Hönggerberg campus are using a fire simulator to test timber components for the construction of buildings of all sizes. The custom-built oven permits simulations of realistic fire scenarios.

The economy is supposed to become more sustainable and more resource-efficient. This will also increase the demands on forests - for example as a carbon storage or energy wood supplier. For this reason, four researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL have examined the possible future for forestry in the National Research Programme "Sustainable Economy" (NRP 73), which was concluded today.

Can ecologically sustainable circuit boards for the electronics industry be produced from cellulose fibers? Empa researcher Thomas Geiger looked into this question. He is now part of a multinational EU project called "Hypelignum". Its goal: biodegradable electronics.

Wood is a trump card for the energy transition because it is very versatile and easy to store. Compared to today, up to a third more energy could be obtained from wood, not only in the form of heat, but also in the form of electricity and fuels. However, current use is not efficient enough, Swiss bioenergy researchers have shown in a new report.

A forest is crucial for life in streams, particularly in the catchment area and in the headwaters. This effect is especially significant in the case of sensitive species.