In order to develop knowledge-based forestry, demonstrate the use of wood in construction in Latvia, and promote the wider availability of birch seedlings, a new and technologically innovative wooden building complex was opened at Latvijas Finieris tree nursery Zābaki. Its central element is the wooden construction, a first in Latvia and unique in the Baltics – a seedling cooler with specific microclimate regimes. The new complex of wooden buildings is a “green investment” of more than Euro 5 million in Sigulda Municipality and Gauja National Park, proving that economic activity is also possible in a nature-friendly way by integrating the production facility into the local landscape.
The new building complex is also special because it uses unique wood construction solutions in cooperation with wood materials researchers. The construction and operation of the site also serve as a knowledge platform for research into the properties, uses and sustainability of wood in specific moisture and temperature regimes.
“The Zābaki new building complex can boast of sustainable construction solutions. Solar panels covering 565 m2 are installed on the roof of the cooler for seedlings. It is planned that they will generate up to 106 MWh of electricity per year.
Whereas, green roofs cover the administrative and commercial buildings, integrating the structures into the landscape. The buildings have a resource-efficient water supply and heating system. Rainwater collected from the roofs of newly constructed buildings is used to irrigate nursery seedlings.
The construction of the wooden building complex is part of a broader commitment by Latvijas Finieris to continue investing in the development of birch tree growing technologies, or the Birch Programme, thereby promoting modern forestry that increases CO₂ sequestration and strengthening the development of the bio-economy in Latvia.
Latvijas Finieris is one of the largest birch plywood producing companies in the world with production in all Baltic countries and in Finland.
