Policy Guidelines: Low carbon construction in cities

As cities grow, so do their carbon emissions largely driven by energy-intensive building materials like concrete and steel.

This policy brief explores how sustainably sourced wood can significantly reduce urban carbon footprints by replacing these high-emission materials, while also supporting circular economy principles and climate-friendly urban development.

The brief highlights the carbon-storing potential of wood, its structural and energy efficiency benefits and its suitability for innovative construction, including modular design, vertical extensions and repurposing existing buildings.