Pre-Design/Conceptual Design/Feasibility
In the earliest stages of a project, high level decisions are made with implications for later design and procurement options, each tied to performance goals and project pricing. Early goal-setting exercises can be a great place to introduce the value of using climate smart wood. For example:
- Reduced embodied carbon (Scope 3) emissions attributable to wood vs. other structural systems may be valued within the Owner’s organizational governance (such as ESG policies). CSW takes this a step further, by optimizing wood sourced from forests that are practicing CSF. Managing forests in ways that increase forest carbon stores over BAU means that the timber coming from those forests has a relatively lower carbon footprint (see Carbon Considerations).
- Alignment with broader building certifications. LEED v5 and the Living Building Challenge are continuing to evolve their guidance around responsible wood sourcing, and adopting CSW intentions can synergize well with their credits and imperatives.
- And perhaps most relevant, the value that sourcing CSW can have on the forests of origin and their surrounding communities. This can include sourcing wood from thinning projects that improve a forest’s resilience to devastating wildfire, and/or it could help to bring much-needed economic development to communities that rely heavily on timber sales. All of these potential positive impacts set the stage for project storytelling that can inspire the owners, users, and communities in which these buildings are being built.
Recommendations
In the pre-design/conceptual design phase, multiple options will be on the table and specific material choices will rarely be fully defined.
CSWG recommends that the owner and project team review the CSWG Climate Smart Forestry definition, Transparency & Traceability, Procurement Options and Case Studies as part of a process to clarify values and establish high-level project goals that will guide future decision-making. Early engagement with suppliers and contractors can be useful, however it’s often too early to gain serious traction on procurement pathways.
Prior to publishing a conceptual budget, project teams should introduce the principles of CSW with the ownership team. Many in the industry may have preconceived notions regarding cost premiums associated with CSW sourcing efforts. It is important to unpack Traceability and Procurement Options early so that these decisions, benefits, and potential cost premiums can be incorporated into early estimates and decision matrices.
The Owner and broader project team should consider:
- What are the values being prioritized with a more intentional sourcing approach?
- Can a building with a high level of CSW command higher rent/sale value/return on investment?
- Can CSW sourcing aid in defining and prioritizing project ESG goals, such as by engaging local minority- or women-owned businesses?
- Are standard pro forma assumptions the most appropriate?
- How much will Traceability be invested into the Design and Construction processes? Is connecting all the way back to Forests of Origin a priority for the project?
- If a high degree of supply chain engagement is desired, and if the project is seeking to pursue Level 3 Transparency, consider hiring a Wood Advisor onto the team. They can be hired directly by the Owner, Architect, or Contractor. In some cases, it can make sense to have the Wood Advisor begin under the Design Team to help identify sourcing options, and then initiate a new contract with the Construction Team during construction to assist with validation and verification. Alternatively, engaging with a manufacturer early in the design decision-making process may provide sufficient insights toward meeting project goals.
