There are many reasons to build in timber, yet developers often switch back to conventional construction or foreign timber for cost reasons. In the December 2024 issue of Lignarius, the journal of the Swiss Timber Engineers, Timber Finance presents an instrument that puts a value on the climate performance of timber buildings.
Outlet
Lignarius
Published
December 1, 2024
Credits under a recognised standard
After three years of development, Timber Finance launched what it described as the world's first carbon removal credits for timber construction at the end of 2024. They follow a recognised ICROA standard that is also applied to UNFCCC projects. Developers, architects and investors should be able to monetise the climate contribution of their timber buildings and offset any additional costs.
What is needed is an instrument that monetises the climate performance of timber buildings and financially compensates any additional costs.
A pilot phase with 20 projects
In Switzerland, around 20 timber construction projects are taking part in the pilot phase. Forest districts are also involved and gain an additional source of income for sustainable forest management. Timber engineers gain another argument to win developers over to timber construction or Swiss timber. The article invites them to submit their projects.
How Timber Carbon sees it
Timber Carbon, launched in 2026 as a spin-off of Timber Finance, quantifies, certifies and monetises the carbon removed in mass timber buildings as carbon removal credits on the voluntary carbon market. Our portfolio shows current buildings, and our Build biobased page explains how to get started.
Topics
Source
Lignarius
Journal of the Swiss Timber Engineers
