.svg){kind=small}
Metrics & Methodology
The timber construction chain as a Carbon Removal solution
In order to achieve net-zero by 2050, carbon removal credits are indispensable, as residual emissions cannot be reduced with traditional carbon avoidance strategies.
Since 2022, negative emission technologies (NET) or Carbon Removal technologies are becoming increasingly important. These are solutions that remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it long-term in materials or soil. Since 2022, timber construction has been recognized internationally and in Switzerland as a carbon removal solution.
Image: Carbon Removal Credits
News:
Our project portfolio is now online!
We are continuously accepting new timber construction projects. Certify your project here.
The construction industry is responsible for up to 40% of emissions worldwide and will release millions of carbon dioxide through new buildings.
Timber construction can contribute to the decarbonization of the construction industry by storing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the forest in the supporting structure and at the same time replacing emission-intensive materials such as concrete and steel.
This not only benefits the carbon footprint of the construction sector; the higher demand for timber also leads to a different type of timber use, namely from non-use or incineration to long-term cascading use. This creates additional value for forest managers and preserves the multifunctionality and resilience of forests.
A New approach
The high demand for carbon removal solutions is shedding new light on forests and timber construction. Traditionally, carbon removal has been attributed to the forest. This perspective is changing as forests are increasingly exposed to drought, storms and forest fires due to climate change. Forests thus become sources of emissions and can no longer guarantee long-term carbon removal. Timber from forests must therefore be transferred to long-term utilization cycles with securely stored carbon.
Temporary carbon removal in the forest
Permanent carbon removal in timber construction
The methodology
Since 2022, Timber Finance has been working to combine timber construction with sustainable forest management developing a methodology as a carbon removal technology for the carbon markets. The globally valid concept was developed together with an international working group and approved by a ICROA Quality standard recognized in December 2023. Formal recognition of the Methodology It is expected in Q3 2025.
