December 3, 2025
The European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP) is proud to announce the launch of the Dara Award, a new European distinction showcasing excellence in timber construction.
At the 4th High-Level Meeting of the European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP), governmental representatives as well as from different international, regional and stakeholder organisations including academia and industry gathered to advance sustainable wood policies in the Pan-European region. A key highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the WoodPoP Dara Award, a new European distinction recognising outstanding achievements in timber architecture and engineering.
Norbert Totschnig, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management of Austria expresses his support:
“Timber construction plays a key role in advancing both climate action and economic development. It also showcases the skills, creativity, and innovative spirit of Europe’s wood sector. Across Europe, there are outstanding examples of timber buildings, and we are proud to celebrate this excellence with the first edition of the Dara Award.”
With this initiative, WoodPoP seeks to shine a spotlight on projects that demonstrate the power of timber to address today’s most pressing challenges in climate, housing and health.
The first awardees will be announced during a ceremony in Prague in November 2026.
WHY TIMBER MATTERS
Wood is a renewable and circular material, uniquely positioned at the heart of sustainability and innovation. It grows back, stores carbon throughout its lifecycle, and can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, making it a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy. Beyond its environmental benefits, timber also brings aesthetic, cultural, and social value, creating warm, healthy, and human-centred living spaces.
As Europe advances towards a climate-neutral and resilient built environment, wood provides practical solutions: reducing emissions, supporting biodiversity through sustainable forest management, and strengthening local economies. This is why WoodPoP is now launching its first Dara Award, to celebrate and showcase projects that embody these values and demonstrate timber’s unique contribution to a sustainable future.
CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY
The Dara Award is open to completed projects that put timber at the centre of their design and construction. Eligible categories include residential buildings, non-residential buildings, infrastructure, and renovations or extensions. Projects must be completed by 31 March 2026 and either be realised in a participating country, or abroad if led by an entity legally based in one.
NOMINATION AND SELECTION
National representatives of WoodPoP may nominate up to two projects, with a third possible if of a different typology. Submissions will be judged anonymously against four dimensions: design & construction, wood use & innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. In addition to the jury’s selection, a People’s Choice Award will be decided through public online voting.
VISIBILITY AND RECOGNITION
Shortlisted projects will be showcased in the WoodPoP Hall of Fame, promoted widely through WoodPoP’s website, social media channels, and publications. Winners will receive recognition during the Prague ceremony in November 2026, a key event alongside WoodPoP’s High-Level Meeting.
ENDORSEMENT
The Dara Award initiative is proudly endorsed by Wood4Bauhaus, the European wood-based sector alliance dedicated to advancing sustainable timber use in construction. Through its open and inclusive platform, Wood4Bauhaus works to engage stakeholders across the construction industry, contributing to shaping a better and sustainable future with beautiful, healthy and inclusive living spaces as part of a sustainable, low carbon-built environment. By supporting the Dara Award, Wood4Bauhaus reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation and celebrating excellence in timber design, aligning with the shared goal of creating a climate-neutral and resilient built environment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WoodPoP Dara Award webpage: https://woodpop.eu/woodpop-dara-award/
Contact
About WoodPoP
The European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP) is a collaborative initiative that brings together stakeholders from across the wood value chain to support the development of sustainable, evidence-based policies in Europe. WoodPoP aims to harness the full potential of wood in building a greener, fairer, and more innovative future for Europe.
