Built by Nature appoints new Chair

Built by Nature (BbN) today announced that Donald Brenninkmeijer will step down as Chair of its Board after five years helping to launch and establish the organisation as an internationally recognised network accelerating the responsible use of timber and biobased materials. 

The Board is pleased to appoint Clemens Brenninkmeijer as its new Chair, to lead Built by Nature into its next phase of growth and impact. 

The transition comes at a significant milestone for the organisation. Since its launch in 2021, Built by Nature has established six networks across Europe, attracted more than 200 industry organisations as Frontrunners, and awarded over €7.5 million in grants – which has helped unlock a further €7 million of industry investment into solutions designed to accelerate the timber and biobased transformation.  

During this period, Built by Nature has expanded beyond its original European focus, with support for a rapidly growing biobased building sector in East Africa while strengthening its role in giving practitioners a voice in shaping international policy around the future of responsible timber construction. It has also launched two global Built by Nature Prizes, attracting nearly 700 prize applications from around the world, and developed the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction – now endorsed by more than 380 organisations, including 15 national governments.  

Donald Brenninkmeijer said: “When we launched Built by Nature, we believed there was an opportunity to help decarbonise the built environment by accelerating the responsible use of timber and biobased materials. Five years later, I am incredibly proud of how far the organisation has come. 

“The achievements of our team, partners, funders and above all Frontrunners have exceeded anything we could have imagined at the outset. Together, they have helped build networks, develop practical solutions, generate new knowledge and demonstrate that system-wide change is possible. 

“While there is still much more to do, the foundations are now in place for Built by Nature’s next chapter and I am excited to see what comes next.” 

Paul King, Chief Executive of Built by Nature, said: “Don has played an instrumental role in guiding Built by Nature through its formative years. His leadership, passion and commitment to the mission have helped create an organisation capable of delivering meaningful impact well beyond its size. 

“On behalf of the Board, team and wider network, I would like to thank him sincerely for his extraordinary contribution and dedication over the last five years.” 

Incoming Chair Clemens Brenninkmeijer added: “I have admired Built by Nature’s work since its earliest days and experienced first-hand the value of its network while leading sustainability efforts at Redevco. 

“The organisation has established itself as a trusted convenor capable of bringing together leaders from across the built environment to tackle some of our most pressing climate and nature challenges. I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to supporting the team as they build on this strong foundation.” 

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