Paper Province is a world-leading business cluster in forest-based bioeconomy, situated in Sweden. Every year, the association awards someone who has made a significant contribution to boost the sustainable bioeconomy. This year's winner, Lars Atterfors, is awarded for his engagement in the industrial wood construction industry.

“It is an honor and feels a bit unreal, but also great”, says Lars Atterfors.

The modern construction industry uses large amounts of fossil materials and emits a lot of carbon dioxide. Developing the industry and building more with wood is necessary to achieve the climate goals. Lars Atterfors is well-known in the Swedish and Norwegian wood construction industry, due to his vast knowledge, experience, and commitment in this field.

Today he manages his own company, Atterfors Consulting. He is also CEO of CC100 that works to streamline the construction industry with the help of their wooden exterior walls. CC100’s design is a cost- and time-efficient alternative to low-energy walls. Lars has also been engaged in the Swedish and international wood industry where he has worked with several large corporate groups.

“I have had the privilege of being involved in developing wood construction since the mid-nineties. I want to teach others what I have learned and continue to develop the industry in collaboration with others. Sweden has taken the lead in modern wood construction thanks to the fact that we have been collaborative across businesses. The academy has worked together with companies and other actors to make it happen.”

Furthermore, Lars is involved in several initiatives and alliances that develops modern wood construction. He is also passionate about education and is involved starting wood construction labs so that stakeholders can innovate and learn from each other.

Lars predicts a bright future for wood construction. In Sweden, there is plenty of access to renewable materials from the forest combined with extensive experience regarding large-scale timber construction. Building with wood has many environmental benefits. It is a renewable material that binds carbon dioxide while growing as well as when used in end products. Public purchasers such as municipalities are showing a growing interest in wooden buildings. Today, for example, many public buildings in Sweden and Norway, such as schools and sports arenas, are built from wood.

“It is great to be part of a development that is gaining this much momentum and to be a part of a paradigm shift,” says Lars.

See the video about the award and Lars Atterfors here: https://vimeo.com/655006207