France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials

The French government unveiled plans for a sustainability law that will ensure all new public buildings are built from at least 50% timber or other natural materials.

The measure will be implemented by 2022. It will apply to all public buildings financed by the French state.

In addition to wood, the mandate can be fulfilled by bio-based materials made from matter derived from living organisms such as hemp and straw. The mandate will apply to buildings constructed for the 2024 Paris Olympics complex.

The French government says it will also invest 20 million Euros for the construction of 100 urban farms in city suburbs.