Relationships between environmental attitudes, appraisals of wooden environments, and wood use behavior in Japan

Abstract Globally, wood is being increasingly used as a strategy for decarbonization. The present study investigated the relationship between environmental attitudes and behaviors related to the use of wood. Participants from the public in Japan rated online photos of wooden environments and reported on their environmental concerns and awareness concerning the use of wood. Study 1 ( N = 768) revealed that environmental concerns, as measured by the New Ecological Paradigm scale, significantly influenced preference for wooden living spaces. In Study 2 ( N = 737), the structural equation model revealed the psychological processes underlying prior experiences, attitude, intention to purchase, and willingness to pay for wooden interiors. The results suggest the importance of strengthening connections with nature and providing knowledge about forest certifications as potential intervention strategies to promote sustainable wood use.