Principles for Responsible Timber Construction
The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction establish a common language and global framework to ensure that increased demand for wood is managed responsibly. They maximise benefits for climate, nature, and people, while supporting forests, transforming the built environment, and enabling thriving bioeconomies.
1
Extending the life of existing buildings. The potential for existing structures to be repurposed, renovated, and/or extended using timber, biobased, secondary and other low-carbon materials is prioritised over demolition.
2
Accounting for Whole Life Cycle. New timber buildings and renovations are designed and constructed to be safe and resilient, in ways that minimise Whole Life Cycle impacts, optimising operational efficiency and minimising embodied carbon emissions and other environmental impacts from materials. Carbon is accounted for transparently, clearly differentiating between biogenic and fossil carbon.
3
Ensuring Sustainable Forest Management. Wood-based construction materials are sourced from forests managed according to best practices in sustainable forest management which as ‘a dynamic and evolving concept, aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations’ [UN definition of SFM].
4
Maximising the carbon storage potential of wood. Wood is used efficiently, and its carbon storage potential is maximised by prioritising and incentivising its use for durable products such as construction where appropriate. Circularity of wood use for buildings is promoted, including design for disassembly to facilitate re-use and subsequent cascading of timber components in successive buildings to maximise the material’s lifespan.
5
Promoting a timber building bioeconomy. Information, education and training is provided for stakeholders across the ‘forest to frame’ value chain on the benefits and practices of responsible timber use in construction. Innovation, research and development is supported and encouraged to enable a timber construction economy and wood culture to thrive.
Endorse the five Principles for Responsible Timber Construction
Endorsement of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction means your name and logo will be used in affiliation with Principles documentation in public spaces. This includes usage in reports, presentations, audio-visual materials, and Principles-related events. All those applying to endorse the Principles will be evaluated by the Built by Nature team. We reserve the right to refuse endorsement applications.
The Principles at COP30
At COP30 in Belém, Built by Nature will showcase the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction and the organisations backing them, highlighting their joint commitment to sustainable timber for forests and cities.
