Support for the first National Timber Construction Code

With the aim of promoting the principles of a green and circular economy and reducing its carbon footprint, Costa Rica will develop a first national code for civil wood construction. This initiative is led by the Chamber of Forestry, Wood and Industry, financed by Luxembourg Cooperation and supported by the Support for sustainable forest management project.

The code will establish a regulatory and technical framework adapted to the Costa Rican context for the safe, efficient and responsible use of wood in construction. Its pre-launch took place on April 9th at an event that brought together representatives of the ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the professional associations of architects and civil engineers, the private sector, academic institutions and professionals from the forestry and construction sector. During the meeting, the importance of having a regulatory framework that guides professionals was highlighted, as well as the need for its development to be a participatory and interdisciplinary process.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Strategic Management of MINAE stressed that this initiative represents a key step towards more sustainable construction, by promoting the use of renewable materials and strengthening the forestry sector. For his part, Frank WOLFF, regional representative of LuxDev, emphasised that the code will position Costa Rica at the forefront of sustainability, promoting circular economy and generating environmental benefits as well as new jobs. Likewise, Natalia CHACÓN, executive director of the CFMI, stressed that this proposal seeks to value forests, promote reforestation and capitalise on the country's achievements in forest recovery to mitigate climate change through the responsible use of wood.

In a first phase, a broad consultation will be carried out to build a roadmap that integrates the technical aspects and the different perspectives of all actors involved. Supported by multiple sectors and national and international organisations, this effort not only aims to reduce Costa Rica's carbon footprint, but also to boost the forestry sector, strengthen rural economies, promote circular economy and generate positive social and environmental impacts.

The Support for sustainable forest management project is funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.