The French government has announced plans for a new sustainability law. It will ensure that all new public buildings financed by the French state will be built from at least 50 per cent timber or other natural materials, according to an article in design magazine Dezeen.
Natural materials consist of matter from living organisms, such as hemp and straw. Like wood, they have a significantly lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel. French minister for cities and housing Julien Denormandie told news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) that his decision to introduce the law was informed by the construction of the 2024 Paris Olympics complex. Any building in the development that rises more than eight storeys will be built entirely from timber.
The law is the latest in a string of sustainable initiatives in France. Last year, Paris unveiled plans to plant urban forests around architectural landmarks to help combat climate change.
