02 January, 2025
A Resolution for 2025
As we step into 2025, we find ourselves at the midpoint of a critical decade for climate action. A quarter of the way into the 21st Century, and ten years on from the Paris Agreement, the urgency to act on the carbon and biodiversity impacts of human activity has never been greater. With our built environment accounting for 40% of carbon emissions and building materials contributing more than a quarter of that tally, transforming the way we build has a crucial role to play.
At Built by Nature (BbN), we are growing a timber and biobased building movement to help meet this challenge, with ambitious plans for the next twelve months. We will be expanding our European networks, activating existing knowledge and information, and continuing to fund innovative solutions that can accelerate the responsible use of biobased materials for the benefit of climate, nature, and people.
At the end of this year the global climate conference, COP30, will take place in Belém, at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest—a symbolic moment for the movement to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. It is at this congress that we hope the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction, developed with input from 17 countries from the Global North and South since COP28, will be published and promoted to governments, industry, and partners.
The Principles are an expression of our philosophy at BbN. They are both a rallying cry for sustainable practices across the value chain and a demonstration of why an independent organisation like ours is well-placed to convene and connect industry actors towards a common goal. That’s why the second Built by Nature Prize will celebrate some of the best examples of responsible timber and biobased building, showcasing the Principles in action.
In 2024 our annual Frontrunners survey highlighted that overall confidence in the sector’s adoption of timber increased by 9% year-on-year. This reflects growing momentum, signalled by notable market advances such as the emphasis on the use of timber for major Paris Olympic venues, and significant policy improvements as part of the European Green Deal.
The annual survey also revealed that Frontrunners believe policy is a significant barrier to mass timber construction, second only to cost. This is a timely moment to consider the continued need for support in Brussels. This month will see the start of the new European Commission workplan. It's important that policy and funding continues to boost sustainable construction innovation, harmonise regulations, and integrate risk assessment tools to build trust and reduce barriers.
Consistent, pan-European policies and initiatives are vital for accelerating the take up of nature-based materials. BbN will continue to advocate for frameworks and standards that remove barriers to biobased construction. By expanding our networks, we aim to further amplify our collective voice and increase our influence.
New Year's resolutions come and go, but some matter more than others. Those who joined us at our Annual Summit at the end of last year told us that it both highlighted the scale of the challenge we have ahead of us, but also the real, palpable sense that this is now a movement with unstoppable momentum. Our resolution to help take this movement to another level is absolute, but we cannot do it without your full commitment and support. Let's make this symbolic year really count as a major milestone on our journey towards a built environment that works in harmony with nature.
As we look ahead, it's clear that there is still a significant amount of work to be done. COP30 will be upon us sooner than we think, bringing both challenges and opportunities. As we look forward, I believe Built by Nature is well-positioned to adapt to the challenges ahead and accelerate momentum. With our expanding networks, dedicated Frontrunners, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, we are ready to drive progress and achieve even greater successes in 2025.
