
OUR WORK
The 3S Framework

SINK
(forest)

STORAGE
(timber products)

SUBSTITUTION
(construction)
To support the transition, the 3S Framework is a useful tool for measuring and influencing the various climate functions of forest and forest product value chains — from the management of land to the use of products and services. The tool provides a comprehensive and integrated way of considering and balancing the various aspects of the carbon cycle: sink (the drawdown and retention of carbon dioxide in the forest), storage (the carbon dioxide embedded in materials), and substitution (the avoidance of emissions by replacing carbon-intensive materials).
Our Breakthrough Initiatives
Our Breakthrough Initiatives
A breakthrough initiative (BI) is an on-going project capable of unlocking the full climate potential of forests and forest products. We use Breakthrough Initiatives to understand the broader challenges and opportunities, and how to overcome these. We are building a BI portfolio across geographies, sectors, stakeholders, and project types, so we can develop a diverse and holistic set of learnings. These learnings will be used to develop global blueprints, catalyzing others to act.
Glasgow City Region: developing a regional strategy for a forest economy. Learn more.
Bauhuette 4.0: creating a 3S-based "wood-to-city value chain in Berlin for affordable housing in wood. Learn more.
Barcelona Social Tower: supporting the development of an innovative timber social housing tower. Learn more.
Easy Housing, Uganda: developing a CSFE and the necessary enabling environment for affordable pre-fabricated timber housing. Learn more.
Gabon Marina Tower: using flagship mass timber building to pilot a climate smart forest economy in Gabon. Learn more.
Rockstar Architects: leveraging the power of young Kenyan leaders to break the cycle skepticism around wood in construction in SSA. Learn more.
East Africa: unlocking the 3S economy, building market demand and sustainable supply. Learn more.
Stora Enso "Spring" HQ: creating a climate smart flagship to inspire others. Learn more.
AKAH, India: creating climate-resilient community housing, unlocking India's nascent industry and stimulating community economics through reforestation. Learn more.
New Zealand: activating a sustainable and climate-smart forest-to-build approach, integrating indigenous Māori wisdom. Learn more.
Pacific NW: turbocharging the development of a CSFE, creating a level playing the field for tribal and rural communities. Learn more.
CASSA, Guatemala: creating DIY, sustainable bamboo housing for climate refugees. Learn more.
Bhutan: supporting a national-level strategy and pilot project to unlock a CSFE across the country. Learn more.
Cross-Cutting Initiatives

KNOWLEDGE
Develop global safeguards guiding principles to ensure CSFEP programs support sustainable, equitable, and durable forest system
Develop the 3S Framework to quantify carbon benefits and tradeoffs of decision-making in the forest economy

DIALOGUE
Build trust and collaboration through shared understanding of stakeholder perspectives, priorities, and concerns
Identify and develop practical tools and guidance that help advance good forest practice and climate smart buildings and that strengthen environmental and social safeguards within a CSFE
