Celebrating Global Timber Excellence: Built by Nature Announces 2025 Prize for Responsible Construction

Built by Nature Unveils 2025 Prize for Responsible Timber Construction

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable architecture, Built by Nature (BbN) has announced its 2025 global Prize, dedicated to recognizing outstanding implementations of responsible timber construction principles across the world. This initiative, set to kick off on April 7, invites submissions for projects that are not only completed but actively utilized. The aim is to spotlight innovations across new builds, renovations, and major extensions.

A Global Celebration of Sustainability

The Prize represents a momentous opportunity for architects, builders, and constructors dedicated to sustainable practices. Winners will be selected based on their adherence to the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction, which BbN has developed in conjunction with a consortium of industry stakeholders, including the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership and Bauhaus Earth. Through this Prize, BbN aims to enhance the visibility of high-quality timber constructions while simultaneously advocating for ecological balance and sustainability within the construction industry.

A Showcase of Excellence at COP30

Winning projects will gain prominent exposure through an international campaign, which will feature them at significant events, notably the upcoming COP30. This global climate conference will serve as a platform for the premiering of a documentary film that highlights these exemplary projects. Designed to inspire and educate, the film aims to illustrate how responsible timber practices contribute positively to forests, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Paul King, the CEO of Built by Nature, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, "We are proud to launch our 2025 Prize to recognize the best timber construction projects from around the world. This initiative allows us to celebrate existing successes in the sector and facilitate the replication of innovative solutions in timber architecture."

Criteria and Application Process

To ensure a thorough evaluation, a panel of esteemed international experts will judge the submissions. This panel will assess projects based on their alignment with BbN's established principles while also considering their impact on climate, biodiversity, and community welfare. The application window opens on April 7, and while submissions should be primarily in English, translation assistance will be available upon request.

Notably, the scope of this Prize extends to all timber structures that comply with the responsible construction principles outlined by BbN. Meaningful engagement with the community and environmental stewardship will be core factors in selecting the winners.

Voices from the Industry

Ana Belizário, the Sales and Business Development Director of Urbem, a Brazilian company specializing in mass timber construction, echoes the importance of this Prize within the context of COP30. She states, "Ten years after the Paris Agreement, the Amazon COP must pivot its focus on sustainable timber supply chains, emphasizing how we can construct responsibly while prioritizing people and nature."

Conclusion

Through the 2025 Prize, Built by Nature is set to inspire the construction sector towards sustainable practices that bolster global timber initiatives. This contest serves not merely as an accolade but as a driving force urging the industry to adopt better standards in timber use while highlighting the tangible benefits of responsible construction across the globe. As BbN champions these principles, professionals within the sector are encouraged to leverage existing project data to show their commitment to sustainability.

With applications opening soon, this Prize promises to be a landmark event that celebrates the confluence of architectural excellence and environmental responsibility within the timber construction domain.

For more information regarding application criteria and processes, interested parties can explore the details available on the Built by Nature website.