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Built by Nature Launches 2025 Award

In an exciting development for the construction industry, Built by Nature (BbN) has announced the initiation of its global 2025 Award. This accolade is designed to recognize extraordinary projects implementing the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction in predominantly wood-constructed buildings. The award aims not only to highlight these initiatives but also to promote sustainable practices throughout the industry. Applications for grants for completed and operational projects will open on April 7.

The 2025 Award spotlights exemplary implementations of these principles with winners being recognized at the annual Built by Nature Summit in October. Award-winning projects will be showcased at prestigious events and featured in a documentary premiering at the COP30 conference. This unique exposure is aimed at raising awareness and appreciation for responsible timber construction globally.

A panel of international experts from various sectors of the construction industry will assess submissions based on their adherence to Built by Nature's principles. These guidelines have been developed collaboratively with the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP), Bauhaus Earth, and other stakeholders, establishing a comprehensive framework to ensure sustainable growth for the timber construction industry.

Through this award initiative, Built by Nature seeks to demonstrate to policymakers and the construction sector the interconnections between responsible timber construction and its beneficial impacts on forests, biodiversity, climate, and communities worldwide. Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, expresses enthusiasm about this award: “We are proud to unveil our 2025 Award to celebrate the finest timber construction projects from around the globe. Participants are encouraged to show how their projects align with the principles of responsible timber construction.” He acknowledges that the sector is already delivering outstanding wood constructions, and now it is time to celebrate success and accelerate replication efforts.

Moreover, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF's Global Leader of Climate and Energy and interim chair of the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission, emphasizes the importance of these principles. He states, “The principles provide consensus-based guidance for policymakers and governments to support regulations and create investment incentives. They can and should become the global standard for sustainably built timber structures.”

Ana Belizário, Sales and Business Development Director at Brazilian solid wood manufacturer Urbem and a juror for the inaugural BbN 2024 award, will return to the jury this year. She mentions, “The COP30 in my home country of Brazil is a crucial moment for timber construction. A decade post the Paris Agreement, the next COP should focus on timber supply chains to enhance effectiveness in building for people, the planet, and nature. With this award, we're set to showcase the finest examples to the world.”

The award is open to all timber buildings that conform to the established principles. Applications can be submitted in English, with translation provisions upon request. Detailed information regarding application criteria and the submission process is available on the Built by Nature website.

About Built by Nature

Built by Nature (BbN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the built environment by advocating for the responsible use of wood and bio-based materials. BbN brings together leading figures from the demand side of the construction industry to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, driving systemic change. It supports innovative, cross-sector initiatives that aim to remove barriers and strengthen the role of bio-based materials in the decarbonization of construction for the benefit of climate, nature, and humanity.