Launch of CNCA & Built by Nature 2026 Cities Biobased Challenge
As cities around the world face the challenge of accommodating growth while cutting emissions, accelerating the transition to timber and biobased construction has become a critical opportunity to create a more sustainable built environment.
The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA) and Built by Nature have joined forces to launch the 2026 Cities Challenge, this year aimed at unlocking the potential of responsible timber and biobased construction.
At a time when the world is entering the largest building boom in history, cities have an unprecedented opportunity to shape a lower-carbon future through the choices they make today. Through planning policy, procurement and investment decisions, cities can create the conditions needed for sustainable construction materials to move from niche innovation to mainstream practice.
By supporting ambitious city-led projects, the Challenge will help cities overcome persistent barriers to adoption, from regulation and technical capacity to market confidence and supply chain development. Three winning cities will be awarded with funding to develop practical tools, policies and approaches that can be replicated and scaled.
Supported by a €155,000 grant from the Ramboll Foundation, and additional support from Built by Nature, Kresge Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the partnership leverages CNCA’s globally recognized network of climate-leading cities and leadership in urban climate action, alongside Built by Nature’s expertise in responsible timber and biobased construction, with technical support provided by The Ramboll Group.
Recognising that the transition needs cooperation from all players across the construction value chain, we invite cities, researchers, technical experts, foresters and industry leaders to join this growing movement and help accelerate the adoption of timber and biobased construction for the benefit of climate, nature and communities.
Find out more about:
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The wider biobased movement at Built by Nature
About Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance:
The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance is an alliance of leading global cities working collaboratively to achieve carbon neutrality in the next 10-20 years while demonstrating innovative solutions and policy approaches to inspire other cities to reach carbon neutrality as quickly as possible. Our mission is to mobilize transformative climate action in cities in order to achieve prosperity, social equity, resilience and better quality of life for all on a thriving planet.
CNCA is committed to a just carbon neutral future that recognizes and redresses the disproportionate burdens and the disproportionate benefits of the fossil fuel economy by prioritizing climate action that advances the well-being of low-income people, Indigenous Peoples, communities of color, immigrants and refugees and other historically marginalized communities.
Media Contact:
Simone Mangili, CNCA Executive Director
simonemangili@carbonneutralcities.org
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