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KUBO starts collaboration with Underground Forest for sustainable foundations with CO2 storage
KUBO has entered into a collaboration with Underground Forest, an organization that combines building on wooden piles with long-term CO2 storage. This innovative approach to foundations fits in seamlessly with KUBO's ambition to actively contribute to a more sustainable world. The first project in which this solution will be applied is the new construction of the ACRES vegetable nursery on Groeneweg in 's-Gravenzande. This pilot project marks the starting point for further application of the concept in greenhouse construction projects within the Netherlands.
Foundations with climate benefits
Wooden foundation piles form the heart of the Underground Forest concept. These piles are made from spruce trees, which absorb large amounts of CO2 during their growth. Once the wood is placed in the ground, below the water table, the stored carbon remains there for a very long time. This creates a new way to structurally remove CO2 from the atmosphere, combined with a functional application in construction.
The wood used for these foundation piles comes from sustainably managed forests and meets PEFC certification requirements. This ensures that the use of trees as piles does not lead to a net loss of forest. Underground Forest works together with leading chain partners, including HuetBois (the largest supplier of wooden piles in the Netherlands), transporters, contractors, and specialized pile drivers.
Financial rewards via the voluntary carbon market
In addition to the climate benefits, the use of wooden piles also offers economic advantages for the client. The stored CO2 is converted into tradable carbon credits. These credits represent a concrete value on the voluntary carbon market and are sold to companies that want to offset their remaining emissions.
One carbon credit is issued for every ton of CO2 that is permanently removed. The proceeds from the sale of these credits are shared with the owner of the plot on which the building is constructed, in many cases KUBO's customer. The only action required for this is a one-time transfer of the rights to the credits to Underground Forest. There are no costs, additional obligations, or further actions required from the owner. All transactions are recorded in a public register and are completely transparent.
Thanks to the long-term preservation of wood in peat and clay soil, these are high-quality credits with a high degree of credibility. This makes them attractive on the international market, where the proceeds are generally higher than on the local market. Underground Forest actively invests in opening up that market so that the value of each project is maximized.
KUBO as the link between innovation and customer
Within the partnership, KUBO assumes the role of coordinating partner for Underground Forest. KUBO guides its customers through the process and provides support with administrative, technical, and practical coordination. This additional service makes it easy for customers to choose a foundation method that fits their sustainability ambitions and also offers immediate financial benefits.
The pilot at ACRES in 's-Gravenzande serves as the first step in scaling up this concept. Initially, the collaboration will focus on projects within the Netherlands, with the aim of further integrating this sustainable foundation into future-proof greenhouse construction.
Above the forest, below the ground
Underground Forest develops foundation solutions based on wooden piles that also serve as permanent storage for CO2. In doing so, UF creates a link between the construction sector and the voluntary carbon market. The approach encourages climate-friendly construction and rewards sustainable choices.