The action involves a comprehensive assessment of the feasibility of establishing a local sustainable wood supply chain for the building industry, with a specific focus on expanding its presence in the social/affordable housing sector. 
The primary goal is to determine the feasibility of significantly increasing the utilization of local sustainable wood, thereby supporting local businesses, maintaining local territorial identity (landscapes), and ensuring that economically disadvantaged social groups can access comfortable and low-carbon housing.

The Pilot areas for wood production, encompassing both softwood (including black pines and silver firs) and hardwood, are the publicly owned mountain woods of the Province of Reggio Emilia and the Province of Forlì-Cesena.

The feasibility study encompasses various aspects, including the reusability of wood compared to concrete or steel at the end of its life cycle, and the avoided emissions due to embedded carbon. The study involves assessing available for sustainable building use, mapping wood-related businesses in the area, co-designing a sustainable business model with supply chain actors, evaluating the potential use of wood in social housing, and conducting an environmental sustainability assessment using life cycle analysis.

The study also addresses measures to overcome potential obstacles and promote wood use in social housing: communication campaigns, financial instruments, certifications, and regulations. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined to quantify environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, water footprint, waste recovery, and non-renewable resource use. ART-ER, supported by University of Florence, will conduct the feasibility study in cooperation with Emilia-Romagna Regional Authority.

Key Results:

• Assessing Feasibility: Examining the viability of a local sustainable wood supply chain for increased utilization in the building industry, particularly targeting the social/affordable housing sector.
• Preservation of Local Identity: Investigating the potential to boost the use of local sustainable wood to support local businesses, preserve territorial identity, and provide affordable housing options for disadvantaged social groups.