10 December, 2024
Built by Nature Funds Development of Gamified Learning Platform for Mass Timber Adoption in the Netherlands
AMSTERDAM, December 10. To explore innovative and accessible learning approaches to accelerate the adoption mass timber construction practices, Built by Nature is announcing a €195,000 grant to 2B Collective towards development of an online gamified platform targeting a broad range of built environment industry practitioners.
The 12-month project seeks to engage up to 2,000 professionals in the Netherlands through dynamic, interactive learning experiences, creating a better understanding of, and a mindset change towards, mass timber benefits and construction methodologies across Dutch municipalities, housing corporations, and construction companies.
The project leverages 2B Collective’s unique gamified learning model, developed with behavioural scientists, which has proven successful in similar large-scale engagement efforts, including sustainability initiatives involving several Dutch municipalities and companies in the construction sector. Their online platform will host a pilot competition where all organisations in the country’s construction industry are invited to enter a team to face simulated opportunities and challenges on how to adopt mass timber and apply key learnings into real-world applications.
By creating a friendly yet competitive learning environment, the project aims to demystify mass timber, challenge misconceptions, and address perceived risks.
“Built by Nature is intrigued by this project’s innovative application of gaming models to unite participants across the construction industry and grow the community of sustainability-focused professionals,” according to Built by Nature CEO Paul King. “We also see the potential for replication and expansion of this platform beyond the Netherlands across Europe.”
Designed for accessibility and collaboration, the programme will blend broad, introductory content on timber construction with specialised challenges tailored for different stakeholder groups. The course will address essential topics such as fire safety, acoustic properties, carbon footprint analysis, and life-cycle assessments. Key stakeholders in cities, construction companies, and housing corporations will gain insights into how mass timber aligns with sustainability goals, while also understanding their role within the timber value chain.
“The Dutch construction industry is ready for a shift, and we’re excited to see this approach create an engaging pathway to adoption,” says Yvette Watson, CEO and Co-founder of 2B Collective. “Our mindset drives the change we want to see in the world, and in this case accelerate the mass timber transition.”
To ensure comprehensive, practical content, the programme will incorporate case studies and focus group insights from industry experts. A series of open-invitation networking workshops and presentations at the programme’s launch and conclusion will further connect participants, solidifying a robust, engaged timber community across the Netherlands.