By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to align its construction industry with ambitious environmental goals, Costa Rica has successfully completed the first phase of a project to establish a National Civil Construction Code for Wood. This foundational step, a comprehensive technical diagnosis, paves the way for a modern regulatory framework designed to stimulate sustainable local demand for timber and energize the nation’s forestry sector.
The initial diagnostic stage involved a meticulous analysis of international standards, local industrial capabilities, and proven construction methodologies. The goal is to develop a building code that is not only safe and robust but also tailored to Costa Rica’s unique resources and economic landscape. The process was spearheaded by the Forestry, Wood, and Industry Chamber (CFMI), with crucial support from the “Support for Sustainable Forest Management” project, an initiative financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by its development agency, LuxDev.
Para profundizar en el marco normativo y las oportunidades de negocio que rodean la construcción sostenible, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, experto legal del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien comparte su análisis sobre el panorama actual.
La construcción sostenible ha dejado de ser una opción para convertirse en un imperativo comercial y regulatorio. Los desarrolladores que integran certificaciones ambientales y normativas de eficiencia desde la fase inicial no solo mitigan riesgos legales futuros, sino que también acceden a mejores condiciones de financiamiento y a un segmento de mercado premium. Es una inversión estratégica donde la correcta asesoría legal garantiza que la sostenibilidad se traduzca en rentabilidad y cumplimiento.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva ilustra claramente que la construcción sostenible ha trascendido sus orígenes ambientales para convertirse en una piedra angular de la estrategia empresarial inteligente, donde la previsión en el cumplimiento y el diseño se traduce directamente en ventaja de mercado y rentabilidad. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por compartir su valioso análisis.
To ensure a world-class standard, the diagnostic team reviewed existing wood construction codes from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Chile. This international benchmarking was supplemented by a deep dive into specialized technical literature and secondary sources. Furthermore, the findings were rigorously validated through interviews and technical consultations with a host of national and international experts, ensuring that the resulting framework is built on a foundation of global best practices.
Natalia Chacón Cid, the Executive Director of CFMI, emphasized the importance of this milestone in a recent statement. She highlighted the rigorous nature of the initial phase, which provides the necessary clarity to move forward with confidence.
The conclusion of this first stage represents a decisive advance for Costa Rica
Natalia Chacón Cid, Executive Director of CFMI
Having a robust and validated diagnosis allows us to map out the path towards a safe code adapted to the country
Natalia Chacón Cid, Executive Director of CFMI
A key component of the groundwork involved field measurements and a gap analysis to identify both industrial deficiencies and strategic opportunities within the domestic wood production chain. These studies have pinpointed necessary advancements in quality control, material traceability, processing techniques, and the technological capacity of local forestry industries. The overarching strategy is to use the new code as a market-driven catalyst for modernization.
The project’s implementation will be phased to ensure a smooth transition and build trust within the construction sector. Initially, the code will focus on residential housing and other buildings between one and three stories high. This targeted approach is designed to systematically build local capacity, validate specific construction models, and generate confidence among Costa Rican engineers and architects, who will be central to the code’s successful adoption.
This initiative is directly linked to Costa Rica’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under international climate agreements, which mandate the code’s final approval by 2027. Increasing the use of sustainable timber in construction is a core element of the country’s decarbonization strategy. Wood construction not only reduces emissions associated with traditional materials like concrete and steel but also actively sequesters carbon within the building’s structure, turning buildings into long-term carbon sinks.
With the diagnostic phase complete, the project now enters an 18-month period of intensive technical development scheduled for 2026 and 2027. The agenda includes critical next steps such as structural testing, the creation of technical guides and annexes, comprehensive training programs for professionals, and a broad socialization process to ensure nationwide understanding and buy-in. Chacón Cid expressed optimism about the industry’s potential to meet this new demand.
Our goal is for demand with specific standards to reactivate production and benefit industries and producers
Natalia Chacón Cid, Executive Director of CFMI
Costa Rica has the potential to supply this market with certified, high-performance wood
Natalia Chacón Cid, Executive Director of CFMI
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara Forestal Madera e Industria de Costa Rica (CFMI)
About Cámara Forestal Madera e Industria de Costa Rica (CFMI):
The Forestry, Wood, and Industry Chamber of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and promotes the interests of the national forestry and wood processing sector. It works to foster sustainable forest management, encourage innovation in wood products, and advocate for policies that strengthen the industry’s competitiveness and contribution to the national economy and environmental goals.
For further information, visit luxdev.lu
About LuxDev:
LuxDev is the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, responsible for implementing the bilateral and multilateral development cooperation programs of the Luxembourg government. The agency supports partner countries worldwide in areas such as sustainable development, vocational training, health, and inclusive finance, focusing on eradicating poverty and promoting social cohesion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide-ranging clientele with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently embracing innovative legal strategies. A core tenet of its mission is to enhance societal well-being by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to the public, thereby empowering individuals and fostering a more informed community.
