Principles for Responsible Timber Construction Implementation Framework logo

Establish clear responsible sourcing requirements early

To get the most from the Implementation Framework explore strategies and actions across each project phase to see how the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction can be applied.

Strategies

Strategy 1.3 Establish clear responsible sourcing requirements early

Responsible timber sourcing begins long before design development. Setting early certification, legality, and full chain-of-custody requirements ensures that all timber specified and delivered is verified, traceable, and sustainably produced. Early definition of sourcing standards within project briefs and procurement policies gives teams a consistent baseline for compliance and reduces the risk of delays or redesigns caused by supply limitations. This proactive approach allows developers, designers, contractors, and cities to signal clear demand for responsibly harvested timber. This drives positive transformation in supply chains and forest management practices. Coordinating with suppliers early also helps align material availability with project timelines and performance targets. By embedding responsible timber sourcing into early-stage decisions, projects contribute to biodiversity protection, deforestation-free supply chains. This creates climate-aligned construction outcomes that strengthen both environmental integrity and market confidence.

Principles for Responsible Timber Construction included in this strategy

Stakeholders

Actions

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Investors & Asset Owners

Integrate deforestation‑free sourcing criteria into early investment mandates

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Cities & Policymakers

Require preliminary sourcing plans and certification compliance as part of planning submissions

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Cities & Policymakers

Publish a list of approved sustainable timber certifications for projects

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Contractors

Track and document all certified timber deliveries on-site for full traceability

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Designers

Create early-stage material maps showing local responsibly sourced materials, reuse potential and carbon impacts, including low transport emissions

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy

Phase 1 Strategy 1.3 Developers

Engage suppliers during early concept stages to assess regional availability of certified timber

Tools and Guidance
Principles included in this strategy
  • Ensuring sustainable forest management
  • Promoting a timber building bioeconomy