Anders Q. Nyrud

Testing roundwood market efficiency using a multivariate cointegration estimator

Abstract This study develops a framework for testing roundwood market efficiency. The analysis is carried out on the Norwegian sawlog market. Using Johansens multivariate cointegration estimator three systems were estimated: (i) domestic, imported and exported sawlogs; (ii) domestic pulpwood and sawlogs; and (iii) lumber exports/imports and domestic sawlogs. Cointegrating relations were found in all three systems, indicating the presence of a common stochastic trend within each model. The Law of One Price and weak exogeneity were tested on all systems. The Swedish sawlog market was found to impact price formation in the Norwegian market. It is concluded that the Norwegian sawlog market is functioning adequately.

Product attributes affecting consumer preference for residential deck materials

In many countries, restrictions on the use of traditional preservative treatments have resulted in efforts to develop wood products for outdoor use that are durable, environmentally friendly, and appealing to consumers. In the present study, consumers’ preferences for wooden deck materials were investigated using sensory analysis. The analysis included an analytical sensory profiling of five deck materials, conducted by a trained sensory panel, as well as a hedonic preference study conducted on Norwegian customers. Eighteen visual and tactile attributes were identified, and statistical analysis indicated that these attributes were sufficient to discriminate between the different deck materials. The results imply that consumers prefer deck materials with a homogeneous visual appearance and moderate color intensity. The study demonstrated a successful application of sensory research on wood products and implies that sensory analysis is an appropriate tool to study relationships between hedonic judgments and...

Description of green versus environmentally indifferent consumers of wood products in Scandinavia: flooring and decking

Swedish and Norwegian potential consumers of eco-labeled wood products in do-it-yourself (DIY) retail stores were investigated in a study that focused on the end customers of two flooring applications and wood for outdoor decks. Data were collected from different populations yielding a multiproduct, multipopulation study. Consumers with preferences for eco-labeled wood products generally focused less on the product type than consumers that reported a low preference for eco-labeled wood properties. The green consumers presented a low price sensitivity and they were more often women. Other characteristics of green consumers observed in the substudies included a higher share of married couples/cohabiters, a secondary education, less advanced plans concerning purchase, and preferences for product warranty. The results can assist producers in making approximate descriptions of green consumers; however, socioeconomic and demographic variables should be complemented by other information that reflects attitudes and intentions to get a more comprehensive idea of green consumers of wood products.

Consumer perception of wood surfaces: the relationship between stated preferences and visual homogeneity

Information about people’s preferences as to wood products is of relevance to several decision makers in the forest sector. Studies revealing consumer preference provide information that can be used for marketing and manufacturing of wood products, but these also provide information of relevance to designers and decision makers involved in building design and construction processes. Previous studies show that the overall harmony of the visual surface is correlated with preference. In this study, perceived visual homogeneity is modeled for five copper-impregnated and five organic biocide-impregnated decking materials with different visual quality. The models are based on visual variables. Homogeneity is a function of material-dependent variables (dry knots, knot shape, and splay knot), production-dependent variables (stain), and surplus color, which is a combination of both wood property and treatment. The results imply that homogeneity is influenced by both wood properties and treatment. Producers of decking should, while maintaining a focus on using high-quality raw material, also focus on producing a product with an unstained appearance.

Production efficiency and size in Norwegian sawmilling

Production efficiency in the Norwegian sawmilling sector was investigated by means of data envelopment analysis, using individual mill observations from the period 1974-91. The resulting efficiency scores were evaluated with respect to size using censored regression analysis and non-parametric comparison tests. Average efficiency estimates indicated that the smallest mills ( h 5000 m 3 yr -1 ) were less efficient than large mills (lumber output > 25000 m 3 yr -1 ). During most of the period studied, average efficiency estimates for the smallest mills were significantly lower than for larger mills.

Benefits from wood interior in a hospital room: a preference study

New design strategies, focusing on implementing the psychologically beneficial effects of nature in the built environment, are increasingly being implemented in building design. The design of built settings is of particular importance in environments intended for healing, such as hospitals. Preferences for a setting are thought to be indicators of factors in the environment that can enhance health and well-being both for patients and those who care for them. The aim of this study is to investigate preferences for natural construction materials in patient rooms. An online survey was distributed to all employees in one department at a Norwegian hospital. Respondents (n=93) included nurses and auxiliary nurses, physicians, and other hospital staff. In the survey, the employees were asked to evaluate 10 computer-manipulated pictures of patient rooms with different amounts and dispositions of wood on surfaces. The results indicate that employees prefer patient rooms with an intermediate degree of wood. The least liked room was the room with pine wood on all surfaces.

Future Development of the Norwegian Forest Industry, Based on Industry Expectations

Abstract Forest industries worldwide are facing a range of challenges, such as declining demand for newsprint, fluctuating sawn-wood prices, and societys concern of forestrys negative environment...

Role of Policies and National Programmes on Innovations in Timber-frame Construction

The market share of timber frame construction has increased in many European countries after the revision of national building regulations, implementation of national development programs as well a ...

Moisture buffering, energy potential, and volatile organic compound emissions of wood exposed to indoor environments

The use of wood in built environments has been increasing during the last decades, and more focus has been set on the influence of wood surfaces on indoor environments on the objective and subjective measures of human well-being. In addition, the moisture buffer capacity of hygroscopic materials, such as wood, has been under investigation in order to quantify the impact of wooden surfaces on energy savings in buildings. The current study presents the results of wood surfaces and indoor air temperatures as well as indoor air relative humidity measured in two solid timber test houses. The findings reveal a substantial effect on wood surface temperature under fluctuating indoor relative humidity due to the latent heat of sorption of water vapors. The results were compared with hygrothermal numerical simulations, showing good agreement and the validated numerical model was used in order to quantify the energy performance in a bathroom when the latent heat of sorption is exploited. The combination of wood with a well-controlled HVAC system in rooms with moisture production shows significant potential for indirect energy savings by adjusting the indoor temperature and exploiting the increase of surface temperature in the hygroscopic structure. Furthermore, the emissions of volatile organic compounds from pine wood were studied in laboratory facilities, with focus on the variations of emissions due to diurnal fluctuations in air humidity. Human participants were exposed in a large test chamber to a concealed source of volatile organic compound emissions in the form of fresh pine wood, while the actual exposure reached air levels of monoterpenes up to 18 mg/m3 during the intervention situation. Perceptions of air quality and mucosal irritation effects were reported in a standard questionnaire during this double-blind test with no irritation effects reported.

Interior wood use: Linking user perceptions to physical properties

ABSTRACT Focus groups were carried out in Austria, Finland, France, Norway, and Sweden to understand building professional’s and laypeople’s perceptions of building materials and well-being in indoor environments. Focus groups asked participants to share their opinions and experiences related to seven main topics: choosing interior materials, naturalness, naturalness for building materials, well-being in the indoor environment, wood materials, cleanabililty, and ethics and environment. The main objective of the focus groups was to explore how the use of wood is perceived in the interior environment and suggest opportunities for use of wood in the built environment. Participants’ responses can be linked to the physical properties of wood: density/hardness, grain, thermal conductivity, moisture content, chemical composition, color, and natural origin. Based on the discussion, these physical properties can be related more closely to the perception of wood as a natural material with respect to intended use, such as visual and tactile products. Based on the findings, it is also possible to alter product properties to enhance users’ experience of wood in the interior built environment. The results also indicate that the relevance and trustworthiness of the current schemes for documenting sustainable forestry practices, is questionable.