## Built by Nature

Impactful Innovation Enabler

[Website](https://builtbn.org/)


## The Problem

The built environment is one of the largest contributors to climate change, accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually. Of this, embodied carbon—the emissions generated from the production, transportation, and assembly of building materials—represents a significant and often overlooked portion. Compounding the issue, the global building stock is expected to nearly double by 2050, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth, further amplifying emissions unless the industry adopts sustainable practices.


## The Solution

Timber, which has the lowest embodied carbon of all mainstream building materials, offers a scalable and renewable solution. Built by Nature (BbN) is reshaping the construction industry by promoting sustainable timber materials to reduce embodied carbon—the emissions from producing and transporting building materials.Currently active across the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy, BbN connects networks of over 100 demand-side stakeholders, including city officials, developers, architects and investors, and has committed €5.75 million to scaling innovative solutions. These projects address key barriers such as policy constraints, supply chain challenges, and misconceptions about timber’s safety and durability. The organization’s mission is to increase the market share of mass timber and bio-based materials to 50%, a shift that could mitigate up to a quarter of the emissions from the construction sector.


## How is it Game Changing?

Built by Nature has been recognized for its pioneering efforts to tackle emissions in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries, and for its comprehensive approach to transforming the construction sector.  By enabling localized partnerships, promoting renewable materials, and funding replicable models for sustainable construction, Built by Nature exemplifies the systemic change required to address climate change.


## Explore More About Built by Nature

Explore the impactful work and bold visions of Built by Nature through their website. To collaborate or learn more, reach out directly or contact the GAEA Awards team.

[Website](https://builtbn.org/)