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 Carbon emissions. 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.
WHY
The increased use of timber and biobased materials in construction offers a major opportunity to reduce embodied carbon, enhance carbon storage, and support thriving regional bioeconomies. These benefits can help transform our cities into more liveable and healthy environments, support livelihoods in cities and rural communities , and restore ecosystems and landscapes impacted by climate change and biodiversity loss.
However, to fully unlock these benefits while reducing risks, timber must be sourced, used, and managed responsibly.
The Principles for Responsible Timber Construction establish a common language and implementation framework that incorporates policy considerations, industry practice, and investment criteria to ensure that increased demand for wood is managed responsibly by:
- maximising benefits for climate, nature, and people
- supporting forests
- transforming the built environment
- fostering thriving bioeconomies
These Principles provide:
- Confidence and alignment across the supply chain, from forests to buildings, to drive investment and shape policy decisions in support of climate goals.
- Clear, evidence-based guidance for policymakers, industry and investors, and real-life examples of how these principles are translated into practice.
COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Since COP28, Built by Nature has collaborated with the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP), Bauhaus Earth, and other key partners to develop and refine these Principles, which have been reviewed by governments, industry leaders, and NGOs, with initial feedback showing strong support.
Work is ongoing to support and substantiate the Principles through continued stakeholder engagement, drawing insights from best practices, case studies, and global recommendations.
GET INVOLVED
We are inviting industry frontrunners, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to help shape the Implementation Framework that will bring these Principles to life, and drive their acceptance and application. If you are interested in contributing to its development, we want to hear from you. Contact us!
To demonstrate real-world feasibility and alignment with the Principles, applications are open for the 2025 Built by Nature Global Prize, which will recognise, celebrate and showcase groundbreaking projects that exemplify responsible timber construction.