The Codes / Regulations / Incentives expert sub-group explored the obstacles to, and opportunities for, mass timber adoption in the context of existing and near-future changes to building codes, regulations, and local / regional incentive programs. The participants brought a wide range of disciplinary and regional experience to the table, concluding that fire regulations would present the lion’s share of difficulties in spreading the influence and reach of engineered mass timber in high-rise buildings. It was noted that appropriate fire tests are available, but are conducted in accordance with local regulations and not globally standardized. Developers would likely have more confidence in developing mass timber high-rises if fire tests were compiled and compared globally.

Meanwhile, code requirements for acoustic transmission are fairly relaxed in comparison to occupiers’ standards. It was suggested that a detailed audit of existing codes and prescriptions in effect for each case study would be of use. Participants also discussed possible incentive schemes which could help motivate the use of timber, such as regulations about carbon use or affordable housing.

Participants:

• Hannes Blaas, CEO, Rothoblaas USA Inc., New York City, United States
• Ariane Dienstag, Founder, Ariane Dienstag sa, Paris, France
• Oscar Faoro, Market & Product Development Strategist, Kelowna, Canada
• Duncan Horswill, Design Director, Ramboll Group, Copenhagen, Denmark
• Richard Lyall, President, Residential Construction Council of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
• Ethan Martin, Associate, DCI Engineers, Portland, United States
• Will Miranda, Research Coordinator, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Chicago, United States
• Graham Montgomery, Technical Director, TIMBERLAB, Swinerton, Charlotte, United States
• Grant Newfield, Principal, RJC Engineers, Vancouver, Canada
• Angelique Pilon, Director, Urban Innovation Research, University Sustainability Initiative, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• Lisa Podesto, Senior Business Development Manager, Lendlease, Santa Cruz, United States
• Chris Sitzenstock, Director, Fabrication, Sidewalk Labs, Seattle, United States
• Jeff Spiritos, Chair, Future Timber City Steering Committee; Manager, Spiritos Properties LLC, New York City, United States
• Rainer Strauch, Managing Director & CTO, CREE GmbH, Bregenz, Austria
• Antony Wood, CEO, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Chicago, United States