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Built by Nature Launches 2025 Prize for Timber Excellence

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable construction practices, Built by Nature (BbN) has announced the initiation of its 2025 global Prize. This initiative seeks to honor outstanding real-world implementations of the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction, especially in structures predominantly made from timber. The call for applications opens on April 7, 2025, inviting projects that include new constructions, renovations, and major extensions.

This Prize aims to showcase excellence across various timber building projects, highlighting those that align closely with sustainable practices. Winners will be celebrated at the annual Built by Nature Summit every October. The awarded structures will be prominently featured at high-profile international events, including COP30, and will be included in a new documentary film intended to raise awareness about responsible timber construction.

The competition will be judged by a diverse panel of international experts, representing different segments of the construction value chain. These submissions will be evaluated based on their adherence to established Principles—guidelines developed through collaboration with organizations like the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP) and Bauhaus Earth. These Principles serve as a unified framework aimed at ensuring the timber building sector thrives sustainably.

Paul King, the CEO of Built by Nature, expressed pride in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of recognizing exemplary timber construction projects globally. He stated that the current sector is delivering remarkable timber buildings, and it is time to honor these achievements and accelerate their adoption in the market.

Contributing to this positive momentum, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Global Leader of Climate & Energy at WWF and Interim Chair of the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission, highlighted that the Principles offer valuable guidance for policymakers. They can inform regulations and facilitate investments in sustainable timber buildings, potentially setting a global standard framed within sustainability frameworks.

Ana Belizário from Urbem, a Brazilian mass timber manufacturer, echoed these sentiments. She noted the significance of COP30 in Brazil as an ideal platform to focus on timber supply chains, advocating for construction practices that are more effective for people, the planet, and nature. The 2025 Prize aims to exhibit exemplary timber projects worldwide, thus reinforcing the linkage between responsible timber usage and fostering biodiversity, benefiting ecosystems and communities at large.

The eligibility for the Prize is open to any timber-based structure that adheres to the determined Principles, with applications due to commence on April 7. While English is the preferred language for entries, translation assistance will be available upon request. For full details, including the application criteria and processes, interested parties can visit the Built by Nature website.

In summary, Built by Nature's 2025 Prize represents a vital effort to encourage eco-friendly practices in timber construction, offering stakeholders a robust platform to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible building practices. This initiative not only showcases innovative designs but also aims to inspire future projects that contribute positively to global environmental goals.