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Celebrating Excellence in Sustainable Wood Construction

Built by Nature (BbN), an influential name in promoting responsible wood use, has officially announced the launch of its global 2025 Award. This initiative aims to honor exemplary real-world applications of the Principles for Responsible Wood Construction, which advocate for sustainable building practices predominantly using timber. The award is set to open its application process on April 7, 2025, welcoming projects from newly completed buildings to significant renovations, showcasing a commitment to sustainable construction.

The award's purpose extends beyond recognition; it aims to highlight the importance of responsible wood construction in contributing positively to forest ecosystems, biodiversity, climate action, and community welfare. The winners will be showcased in an international campaign, featured at the upcoming COP30 conference, and documented in a film, emphasizing their role as exemplars of sustainable building practices in an era where climate concerns dominate.

A Judicious Approach to Evaluation

To ensure fairness and comprehensiveness, a panel of international experts from across the construction value chain will evaluate the applications based on adherence to the established Principles. These principles, developed collaboratively with key stakeholders such as the Forest and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP) and Bauhaus Earth, provide a common framework for ensuring the wood construction industry can thrive sustainably.

Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, expressed his pride in launching the 2025 Award. He stated, "It’s time to celebrate the excellent wooden buildings already being created within the sector and to accelerate replicating their success. Participants must demonstrate how their projects align with the Principles for Responsible Wood Construction, reflecting existing information on sustainable practices.”

Harnessing Global Attention at COP30

The upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil represents a critical juncture for the award, as it will focus on the Amazon—a biodiversity hotspot increasingly threatened by unsustainable practices. An esteemed juror, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the WWF's Global Leader on Climate and Energy, acknowledged the importance of these Principles, emphasizing their potential to guide policymakers and investors towards sustainable construction. He stated, “By establishing a global standard based on these principles, we can deepen the connection between building practices and sustainability standards.”

Ana Belizário, Sales and Business Development Director from the Brazilian solid wood manufacturer Urbem, also joins the jury, bringing local insights into the importance of sustainable wood supply chains. Belizário mentioned, “Showcasing the best examples to the world at COP30 will help highlight the crucial importance of responsible wood construction.”

Inviting Participation

With the application period beginning on April 7, Built by Nature invites all wooden constructions conforming to the Principles to apply. Details, including criteria and the application process, will be made available on Built by Nature’s official website. English will be the preferred language for submissions, though translations will be provided upon request.

About Built by Nature

Built by Nature operates as a non-profit organization with a mission to transform the built environment by promoting responsible wood use and sustainable materials. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry leaders, BbN aims to foster systemic change, while supporting innovative cross-sector initiatives. Their efforts strive to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, benefitting the climate, nature, and communities across the globe. For more information, visit Built by Nature.