19 March, 2025
Bauhaus Earth launches Built by Nature Germany Network to Drive Timber and Biobased Construction
AMSTERDAM, March 19. Continuing its rapid growth and geographic expansion in Europe, Built by Nature (BbN) is proud to announce the launch of Built by Nature Germany – a network of industry leaders intent on realising the high potential and demand for timber and biobased construction materials while transforming the country’s built environment sector toward decarbonisation and sustainability.
Coordinated by Bauhaus Earth (BE) over the next three years and supported by a €387,000 grant from Built by Nature, the launch project will establish a robust national industry network to increase demand, foster knowledge development and exchange, and showcase exemplary projects in timber and biobased construction.
Operating within the largest market for construction materials in Europe, representing 25% of all demand, Built by Nature Germany will connect key stakeholders across the construction industry, primarily frontrunners from BbN’s seven targeted stakeholder categories (asset owners, investors, developers, designers, contractors, insurers, and cities), while collaborating with material-specific advocacy groups and regional timber initiatives.
The launch of the national network builds upon an analysis of the state of timber and biobased construction in Germany, an exploration commissioned by BbN and carried out by Bauhaus Earth in 2024. This initial landscape study, which mapped out existing networks and policy priorities, helped determine the network’s focus on multistorey construction while addressing key barriers.
The network is also supported by the BbN-funded work of the construction consultancy BuildSystems, which is investigating the potential for a knowledge platform centred around the regulatory initiative for simple and experimental construction in Germany, known as Gebäudetyp-E. The online tool is meant to facilitate innovation by documenting and sharing insights from projects in Bavaria, which make use of Gebäudetyp-E to deliver biobased buildings.
Built by Nature CEO Paul King says,
“Built by Nature Germany represents our fifth national network in Europe. Building on the insights gained from investors, developers, designers and others active in our networks in the UK, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands – our Frontrunners in Germany will identify opportunities to innovate and overcome industry barriers, and help inform public policy that can help accelerate the demand for timber and biobased materials in construction.”
He added,
“Germany is a critically important market, representing around a quarter of Europe’s construction material demand. A significant shift in Germany’s demand can help bring about a tipping point across the continent, moving biobased materials onto a level playing field with traditional materials.”
Bauhaus Earth will work with partners to ensure synergies, avoid duplication and foster pan-European collaboration. Belinda Rukschcio, Co-CEO, says
“This network is in a pivotal position for advancing sustainable practices by driving timber and biobased materials. As a research institution and Think-and-Make-Tank, Bauhaus Erde will bring together key stakeholders from many fields to establish a multi-sector network. In our recent BbN-Study, ‘Nature-Based Materials as a Solution for Climate-Neutral Buildings in Germany’, we saw that cost, fragmented knowledge, and a lack of innovation funding needed to be addressed – and we are confident that with the support of Built by Nature and the commitment of our network, we will show progress against these barriers.”
The network will prioritise multi-storey timber construction, biobased housing affordability, and critical knowledge gaps. The network’s activities will include regular meetings and exchanges to refine understanding of barriers, formulate actionable solutions and develop and implement three working group action plans: policy, technical solutions, and research. Strategic communication via webinars, conferences, and site visits will build awareness, highlight progress, and foster collaboration.
About Bauhaus Earth
Bauhaus Earth is an interdisciplinary and international Think-and-Make-Tank based in Berlin and Potsdam. The non-profit organisation is dedicated to the regenerative transformation of the built environment. Founded in 2019 by climate scientist Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, today, Bauhaus Earth brings together over 50 experts from the fields of science, architecture and planning, governance, and industry. Our vision is a future in which buildings, cities and landscapes actively contribute to combatting climate change and have a positive impact on the planet and all its inhabitants.
For further information, please contact:
Ben Walker, Built by Nature, b.walker@builtbn.org
Caroline Wolf, Bauhaus Earth, press@bauhausearth.org