Principles for Responsible Timber Construction – Implementation Framework
The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction establish a common language and global framework to ensure that increased demand for wood is managed responsibly. They aim to maximise benefits for climate, nature, and people, while supporting forests, transforming the built environment, and enabling thriving bioeconomies. Developed through international collaboration, the Principles serve to guide the entire construction value chain in using timber in ways that protect forests, reduce embodied carbon, and strengthen community value. By embedding responsibility and transparency across the built environment, the Principles form a shared foundation and a common language for aligning projects, companies, cities and national governments committed to a net-zero built environment
The Responsible Timber Construction Implementation Framework
The Implementation Framework for the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction turns ambition into action. It provides a clear, practical roadmap for applying responsible timber strategies across the buildings life cycle. The Implementation Framework serve to guide architects, engineers, developers, investors, insurers and policymakers in using timber in ways that protect forests, reduce embodied carbon, and strengthen community value. The framework supports real-world implementation by aligning sustainability ambitions with project workflows, procurement decisions, and investment criteria.
This Implementation Framework is designed to align with and complement a range of existing global initiatives that promote responsible material use, climate action and ethical supply chains. Rather than duplicating these efforts, it supports their uptake by translating high-level ambitions into practical strategies across building projects. In doing so, the framework serves as a strategic bridge between global commitments and on-the-ground implementation.
Hosted here on the Built by Nature Knowledge Hub, this evolving platform connects strategies, actions, and tools to accelerate the adoption of timber construction.
Built by Nature partners and collaborators at Bauhaus Earth have also issued their “Guiding Report” which complements the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction with a set of expert-generated interpretations and curated research to demonstrate promising pathways towards action.
Colour Key: Principles for Responsible Timber Construction
Phase 1 Initiation and feasibility
Strategy 1.1 Set carbon, environmental and performance standards from the start
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
Strategy 1.2 Reuse, retrofit and extend before rebuilding
Principles included in this strategy
- Extending the life of existing buildings
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
Strategy 1.3 Establish clear responsible sourcing requirements early
Principles included in this strategy
- Ensuring sustainable forest management
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
Phase 2 Design
Strategy 2.1 Design with timber and biobased in mind
Principles included in this strategy
- Extending the life of existing buildings
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
Strategy 2.2 Design for adaptability, disassembly and reuse
Principles included in this strategy
- Extending the life of existing buildings
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
Strategy 2.3 Integrate responsibly sourced and managed materials into design specifications
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
- Ensuring sustainable forest management
Strategy 2.4 Embed vernacular and regenerative timber values in design
Principles included in this strategy
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
Strategy 2.5 Design for durability and future climates
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
Phase 3 Procurement
Strategy 3.1 Procure traceable, certified timber
Principles included in this strategy
- Ensuring sustainable forest management
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
Strategy 3.2 Link finance and insurance to carbon and sustainability performance
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
Strategy 3.3 Strengthen local and circular timber supply chains
Principles included in this strategy
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
Phase 4 Construction
Strategy 4.1 Implement and monitor responsible timber sourcing on-site
Principles included in this strategy
- Ensuring sustainable forest management
Strategy 4.2 Deliver with precision to maintain low carbon and safe outcomes
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
Strategy 4.3 Prepare the building for circular use and long-term timber value
Principles included in this strategy
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
Phase 5 Operation, maintenance & end-of-life
Strategy 5.1 Extend timber durability and performance through proactive maintenance
Principles included in this strategy
- Accounting for Whole Life Cycle
Strategy 5.2 Enable deconstruction and reuse at end-of-life
Principles included in this strategy
- Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood
Strategy 5.3 Measure and share outcomes to improve industry practice
Principles included in this strategy
- Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
FAQs
What are the principles of responsible timber construction?
The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction establish a common language and global framework to ensure that increased demand for wood is managed responsibly.
How can timber be used sustainably in construction?
View the report on How Sustainable Timber Buildings Can Help Fight the Climate Crisis
What is the purpose of the Responsible Timber Implementation Framework?
The Implementation Framework translates the Principles into action for demand-side stakeholders. It offers a clear and practical roadmap for integrating responsible timber strategies throughout the project lifecycle, from feasibility to end-of-life.
The Implementation Framework is designed to align with and complement a range of existing global initiatives that promote responsible material use, climate action and ethical supply chains. Rather than duplicating these efforts, it supports their uptake by translating high-level ambitions into practical strategies across building projects. In doing so, the framework serves as a bridge between global commitments and on-the-ground implementation.
Who is the Responsible Timber Implementation Framework designed for?
The Implementation Framework serves to guide architects and designers, engineers, developers, investors, asset owners, insurers, cities and policymakers in using timber. The Framework’s strategies introduce actions and tools specific and relevant to each of these critical audiences.
How does the Framework address embodied carbon?
This report on Whole Life Carbon Impact of 45 Timber Buildings employs life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate embodied carbon.
How does the Framework help achieve circular economy goals?
The global community is under significant pressure to transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy.