Advancing Policy, Showcasing Performance and Building Capacity for
Mass Timber in India
What is Mass Timber?
Mass timber is a category of engineered wood solutions created by layering and bonding wood boards to form strong yet lightweight building materials. Unlike traditional lumber, mass timber is specifically designed for larger and taller structures, making it suitable for roofs, walls, and floors in various types of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Common types of mass timber include cross-laminated timber (CLT), glued laminated timber (glulam), nail-laminated timber (NLT), dowel-laminated timber (DLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and mass plywood. CLT, composed of alternating 90-degree layers, is often utilized for structural panels such as walls, floors, and roofs. Glulam, on the other hand, aligns the wood grain in one direction and is typically used for beams and columns. For those interested in exploring mass timber further, consider attending an upcoming workshop focused on sustainable construction practices.
Why It Matters for India
India’s construction sector is expanding rapidly due to urbanisation, housing demand, and infrastructure growth. Globally, buildings account for nearly 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions, and with India’s growing building stock, the impact on operational and embodied carbon is significant. To meet its net-zero-by-2070 target, India needs to adopt engineered wood solutions and low-carbon construction alternatives. These options can help reduce fossil carbon emissions, minimize material waste, facilitate faster prefabricated construction, and store biogenic carbon. International life cycle assessment (LCA) research, including findings from the CINTRAFOR studies, consistently shows that mass timber buildings present a 25–50% lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to traditional concrete and steel structures. If these challenges are addressed, mass timber could carve out a niche yet growing role in India’s low-carbon construction mix, particularly for prefabricated mid-rise commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. The upcoming workshop on mass timber highlights how this sustainable construction approach can support India’s green transition, circular economy goals, and Mission LiFE.
What is the Initiative?
The U.S. Softwood Export Council (SEC), with funding from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), has been actively promoting U.S. softwood lumber and engineered wood solutions, including mass timber, in India since 2023.
This project is co-led by:
Prof. Indroneil Ganguly (University of Washington)
Prof. Arijit Sinha (Oregon State University)
Dr. Anindita Bhattacharyya (SEC India Consultant)
in partnership with the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru. Additionally, an upcoming workshop focusing on sustainable construction will highlight the benefits of mass timber and engineered wood solutions.
The Initiative Focuses on Three Core Areas
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging government agencies and policymakers, industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, builders, architects, and engineers, and academic and research institutions through collaborative workshops, including upcoming workshops focused on engineered wood solutions. These Mass Timber workshops feature technical se
Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging government agencies and policymakers, industry stakeholders such as manufacturers, builders, architects, and engineers, and academic and research institutions through collaborative workshops, including upcoming workshops focused on engineered wood solutions. These Mass Timber workshops feature technical seminars at knowledge-sharing platforms and targeted outreach initiatives designed to build awareness, capacity, and institutional support for mass timber adoption in sustainable construction across India.
Research, Testing, and Demonstration
This initiative focuses on mechanical and durability testing of U.S. softwoods (Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock) in Indian conditions, alongside LCA studies tailored for glulam manufacturers and mass timber buildings. Additionally, it fosters collaboration to donate U.S. wood and produce engineered wo
Research, Testing, and Demonstration
This initiative focuses on mechanical and durability testing of U.S. softwoods (Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock) in Indian conditions, alongside LCA studies tailored for glulam manufacturers and mass timber buildings. Additionally, it fosters collaboration to donate U.S. wood and produce engineered wood solutions like glulam for an upcoming Mass Timber workshop demonstration project in India, promoting sustainable construction practices.
Advancing Policy On the policy front, initiatives will focus on the development of engineered wood solutions through code development, utilizing test data to secure regulatory approval and enhance the inclusion of mass timber in India’s National Building Code (NBC). These efforts will also support carbon credit reporting, contribute to t
Advancing Policy On the policy front, initiatives will focus on the development of engineered wood solutions through code development, utilizing test data to secure regulatory approval and enhance the inclusion of mass timber in India’s National Building Code (NBC). These efforts will also support carbon credit reporting, contribute to the framework necessary for achieving carbon-neutral commitments, and facilitate sustainable construction practices while reducing dependence on finite natural resources. Additionally, the upcoming workshop on mass timber will further promote these initiatives.
Mass Timber Workshop 2024
Workshop Outcome
The first national Mass Timber workshop was held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, attracting over 70 participants from policy, architecture, and industry. Organised by SEC, CINTRAFOR (University of Washington), and Oregon State University, this workshop introduced innovative engineered wood solutions, initiated important policy dialogue, and established foundational partnerships in the field of sustainable construction. To read the detailed workshop report and learn more, click here.
Key outcomes:
- BIS committed to updating the NBC for mass timber.
- NITI Aayog emphasised timber’s critical role in carbon sequestration and the circular economy.
- Identified barriers include fire safety misconceptions, supply chain gaps, and a lack of skilled workforce.
- The action plan includes educational campaigns, demonstration projects, and the introduction of academic courses in engineered wood solutions.
Mass Timber Workshop 2025
Workshop Outcome
The second Mass Timber workshop took place at IWST Bengaluru on September 25–26, 2025, gathering over 120 participants from 14 cities. This event shifted the conversation from theory to practice, showcasing engineered wood solutions through technical presentations, case studies, and deeper policy engagement. To read the detailed workshop report and learn more, click here.
Key outcomes:
- Strengthened BIS commitment to include mass timber in the NBC.
- Focused sessions on structural design, fire safety, hybrid mass timber-concrete systems, financing, and supply chains.
- Industry participation from Jack Hammer India, Venturer Modular, CUBE Architects, Build Unique, and Rothoblaas.
- Set the stage for demonstration projects and code implementation.
These initiatives have transformed the discourse on mass timber and sustainable construction in India into a concrete action plan and a robust stakeholder network. Stay tuned for information about the upcoming workshop, which will continue this important dialogue.
Mass Timber Workshop 2026
Register Now
LInk : https://forms.gle/aPEhhrivzhA6Vab18
Third Workshop: Ahmedabad – Rationale
Architectural and Academic Hub: Home to Anant National University, a leading institution for architecture and planning that focuses on engineered wood solutions.
Thriving Construction Sector: Gujarat is a rapidly growing industrial and construction hub, paving the way for sustainable construction.
Emerging Wood Manufacturing Hub: The region's proximity to wood manufacturing clusters and supply chain nodes, including the Kandla Timber Association, supports the development of mass timber projects.
Strategic Timing: This workshop capitalizes on the recent NBC publication (April 2026) to discuss implementation pathways for sustainable practices in the industry.
Workshop Objectives
This 1.5-day Mass Timber workshop aims to:
Advance Code and Policy Integration by sharing IWST test results and discussing NBC implementation.
Tackle Technical Barriers associated with fire, termite, moisture, glue performance, and connectors using scientific data.
Build Supply Chain Capacity by facilitating B2B connections between suppliers and Indian manufacturers, particularly in engineered wood solutions.
Foster Practical Skills through a dedicated half-day hands-on training session on design, grading, and assembly of mass timber materials.
Showcase Environmental Benefits through comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data relevant to sustainable construction.
Showcase Demonstration Projects, including the IWST Bengaluru project and other public-private models, highlighting the potential of mass timber.
Workshop Structure and Agenda Highlights
Day 1: September 24 – Policy, Performance, and Commercialisation
Inaugural Session: USDA Representative - India, Anant National University, and Prof. Indroneil Ganguly.
Session 1 (NBC, Green Credits and Policy): BIS, IWST, MoEFCC, and technical experts discuss code development. Chaired by Prof. Arijit Sinha.
Session 2 (Market Reality and Builder's Perspective): Panel featuring NAREDCO, Green financiers, Adani, Flipkart/Greenlam, IKEA, Amazon, and Windsor Group. Chaired by Prof. Indroneil Ganguly.
Session 3 (Material Performance and Technical Excellence): Presentations on glue performance, manufacturing standards (APA), Life Cycle Analysis in South Asia, IWST mechanical testing results, and connectors. Chaired by Dr. Amitava Sil (IWST).
Day 2: September 25 – Practical Skills and Collaborative Action
Session 4 (Mass Timber Building Projects): Case studies from Builduniq, Artius India, Jackhammer India, Ventura, Ledinek Engineering, and a global perspective from APA's Charlie Barnes.
Session 5 (Opening Bottlenecks – Supply Chain to Design): Discussion on plantation forestry policy, Kandla Timber Association on raw materials, imported timber pricing (Naval Kedia), and lumber grading (Prof. Ganguly).
Session 6 (Scoping Activities for 2027-2028): A forward-looking session to finalize demonstration projects, outline a collaborative roadmap, and explore partnerships for sustainable construction initiatives.
Concluding Session: Remarks from Anant National University, Prof. Ganguly, Prof. Sinha, and Dr. Bhattacharyya.
Target Audience
100-120 stakeholders, including:
Policymakers (BIS, MoEFCC, NITI Aayog, CPWD)
Developers and Builders (NAREDCO)
Architects and Structural Engineers
Academic Faculty and Students
U.S. and Indian Timber Producers and Suppliers
Green Financing Institutions
Expected Outcomes
Dissemination of technical test results and policy recommendations on mass timber and engineered wood solutions.
Strengthened stakeholder network.
Updated knowledge products (booklet, supply chain directory).
Recommendations for green financing, duty waivers, and value-based procurement in sustainable construction.
Expanded academic partnerships.
Enhanced practical skills among professionals.
Concrete action plan for the next 12 months.
Get Involved
Register for the upcoming Workshop through this link: https://forms.gle/aPEhhrivzhA6Vab18
Contact:
Dr. Anindita Bhattacharyya (SEC India): indiamasstimbergroup@gmail.com | +91-9811167645
Prof. Indroneil Ganguly (UW): indro@uw.edu
Prof. Arijit Sinha (OSU): Arijit.sinha@oregonstate.edu