Wood and sustainable procurement - Revision history

Editor at 16:37, 21 October 2021

2021-10-21T16:37:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 21 October 2021
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	PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].		PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Chain of custody.		* Chain of custody.
	* Confederation of Timber Industries.		* Confederation of Timber Industries.
		+	* Deforestation.
	* Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame.		* Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame.
	* Environmental plan.		* Environmental plan.

Designing Buildings at 08:03, 9 March 2021

2021-03-09T08:03:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:03, 9 March 2021
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	* Whole life carbon assessment of timber		* Whole life carbon assessment of timber

−	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Procurement]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Designing Buildings at 14:46, 2 March 2020

2020-03-02T14:46:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 2 March 2020
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−	2050, the target date set by Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, seems a long way away. But the construction industry’s hefty 40% contribution to the UK’s total carbon footprint means action needs to start now.	+	= Introduction =

−	There are several ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and timber continues to be ~~top~~ choice as a ‘green’ building material. Its natural ability to lock up carbon makes it a catalyst in the shakeup of how we can build in a more environmentally friendly way.	+	2050, the target date set by the Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, seems a long way away. But the construction industry’s hefty 40% contribution to the UK’s total carbon footprint means action needs to start now.
		+
		+	There are several ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and timber continues to be a good choice as a ‘green’ building material. Its natural ability to lock up carbon makes it a catalyst in the shakeup of how we can build in a more environmentally friendly way.

	While wood is a renewable material, when procuring timber, it is critical to make sure it comes from sustainably managed forests.		While wood is a renewable material, when procuring timber, it is critical to make sure it comes from sustainably managed forests.

−	== How to spot sustainable timber ==	+	= How to spot sustainable timber =

−	Forest certification programmes, the ~~[https://www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk~~ Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)] and the ~~[https://pefc.org/~~ Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)] protect and promote sustainable forest management. Both organisations work with the supply chain and relevant industry bodies to ensure timber imported and exported in the UK is legal and certified.	+	Forest certification programmes, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) protect and promote sustainable forest management. Both organisations work with the supply chain and relevant industry bodies to ensure timber imported and exported in the UK is legal and certified.

−	Certification ~~provides a stamp of approval~~ that a supplier has legally and sustainably sourced the timber. It also protects the environment, economy and people within the area of the forest the timber is sourced from. Neglecting to source timber in this way is illegal.	+	Certification confirms that a supplier has legally and sustainably sourced the timber. It also protects the environment, economy and people within the area of the forest the timber is sourced from. Neglecting to source timber in this way is illegal.

−	Verified Legal Compliance schemes (VLCs) work ~~in partnership with~~ timber regulations that require companies sourcing timber to have a due diligence system in place. They ensure all the administrative requirements have been completed, that any applicable and relevant laws and regulations related to forestry have been met and check forest management processes. The predominant VLCs are run by the [http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/forestry/verification/legal Rainforest Alliance] (SmartWood) and [http://www.bureauveritas.com/services+sheet/olb-certification_14483 Bureau Veritas] (OLB) and are particularly important in West and Central Africa.	+	Verified Legal Compliance schemes (VLCs) work alongside timber regulations that require companies sourcing timber to have a due diligence system in place. They ensure all the administrative requirements have been completed, that any applicable and relevant laws and regulations related to forestry have been met and check forest management processes. The predominant VLCs are run by the [http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/forestry/verification/legal Rainforest Alliance] (SmartWood) and [http://www.bureauveritas.com/services+sheet/olb-certification_14483 Bureau Veritas] (OLB) and are particularly important in West and Central Africa.

	In Southeast Asia, the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) set up a scheme, the [http://www.mtc.com.my/resources-MalaysianTimberCertificationScheme.php Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme] (MTCS), which is the first of its kind in the region to be endorsed by PEFC.		In Southeast Asia, the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) set up a scheme, the [http://www.mtc.com.my/resources-MalaysianTimberCertificationScheme.php Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme] (MTCS), which is the first of its kind in the region to be endorsed by PEFC.
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	Other initiatives include the United Nations programme for [http://redd.unfccc.int/ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation] (REDD+) and the [https://forestlegality.org/ Forest Legality Initiative] (FLI), a project run by the World Resources Institute.		Other initiatives include the United Nations programme for [http://redd.unfccc.int/ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation] (REDD+) and the [https://forestlegality.org/ Forest Legality Initiative] (FLI), a project run by the World Resources Institute.

−	== Challenges: what if it isn’t certified? ==	+	= Challenges: what if it isn’t certified? =

	Areas such as the Congo Basin in Africa and Southeast Asia count among the largest areas of biodiversity in the world. At the same time, some of the most vulnerable rural communities live here whose livelihoods depend on the forest.		Areas such as the Congo Basin in Africa and Southeast Asia count among the largest areas of biodiversity in the world. At the same time, some of the most vulnerable rural communities live here whose livelihoods depend on the forest.
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	Interholco implements a forest management plan, carries out inventories, and studies the local wildlife among other things. In October this year, Inteholco’s conservation of several thousand gorillas earned them a [https://mailchi.mp/interholco/your-1-stop-connection-to-sustainable-hardwood-made-in-africa-2012481?e=ccde7186e5 German Nature Film Award]. The project was filmed by Franco-German TV channel, ARTE, and showed the positive long-term economic impact for local people.		Interholco implements a forest management plan, carries out inventories, and studies the local wildlife among other things. In October this year, Inteholco’s conservation of several thousand gorillas earned them a [https://mailchi.mp/interholco/your-1-stop-connection-to-sustainable-hardwood-made-in-africa-2012481?e=ccde7186e5 German Nature Film Award]. The project was filmed by Franco-German TV channel, ARTE, and showed the positive long-term economic impact for local people.

−	== Timber procurement: practical steps ==	+	= Timber procurement: practical steps =

	The main consideration when procuring timber is to guarantee it has been sustainably sourced. Check it has been verified and use due diligence systems. There is a wealth of information available from all of the initiatives mentioned in this newsletter and also from timber trade bodies such as [https://www.trada.co.uk/ TRADA] and the [https://ttf.co.uk/ Timber Trade Federation].		The main consideration when procuring timber is to guarantee it has been sustainably sourced. Check it has been verified and use due diligence systems. There is a wealth of information available from all of the initiatives mentioned in this newsletter and also from timber trade bodies such as [https://www.trada.co.uk/ TRADA] and the [https://ttf.co.uk/ Timber Trade Federation].
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	PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].		PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Chain of custody.
		+	* Confederation of Timber Industries.
		+	* Delivering sustainable low energy housing with softwood timber frame.
		+	* Environmental plan.
		+	* European Union Timber Regulation.
		+	* Forests.
		+	* Forest ownership.
		+	* Forest Stewardship Council.
		+	* Legal and sustainable timber.
		+	* Legally harvested and traded timber.
		+	* Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
		+	* Sustainability.
		+	* Sustainable materials.
		+	* Sustainable timber.
		+	* Sustainably procuring tropical hardwood.
		+	* Timber.
		+	* Whole life carbon assessment of timber
		+
		+	[[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Wood for Good at 16:20, 19 February 2020

2020-02-19T16:20:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 19 February 2020
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	To keep up to date with the challenges facing global forestry, [https://www.globalforestwatch.org/#slides/2 Global Forest Watch] provides a free resource that allows users to explore the latest data and the impact on different areas around the world.		To keep up to date with the challenges facing global forestry, [https://www.globalforestwatch.org/#slides/2 Global Forest Watch] provides a free resource that allows users to explore the latest data and the impact on different areas around the world.

−	Both, FSC and PEFC provide delivery checklists. These support in checking deliveries of PEFC- or FSC-certified, responsibly sourced materials with a handy reference guide. The FSC pocket-sized guide is currently available free of charge to Wood for Good supporters in the UK. Order your copies today in packs of 5, 10 or more by completing the form at [https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/woodforgood https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/woodforgood].	+	Both, FSC and PEFC provide delivery checklists. These support in checking deliveries of PEFC- or FSC-certified, responsibly sourced materials with a handy reference guide.

	PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].		PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].

Wood for Good: Created page with "2050, the target date set by Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, seems a long way away. But the construction industry’s hefty 40% contribution to the UK’s ..."

2020-02-19T16:20:04Z

Created page with "2050, the target date set by Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, seems a long way away. But the construction industry’s hefty 40% contribution to the UK’s ..."

New page

2050, the target date set by Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero, seems a long way away. But the construction industry’s hefty 40% contribution to the UK’s total carbon footprint means action needs to start now.

There are several ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and timber continues to be top choice as a ‘green’ building material. Its natural ability to lock up carbon makes it a catalyst in the shakeup of how we can build in a more environmentally friendly way.

While wood is a renewable material, when procuring timber, it is critical to make sure it comes from sustainably managed forests.

== How to spot sustainable timber ==

Forest certification programmes, the [https://www.fsc-uk.org/en-uk Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)] and the [https://pefc.org/ Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)] protect and promote sustainable forest management. Both organisations work with the supply chain and relevant industry bodies to ensure timber imported and exported in the UK is legal and certified.

Certification provides a stamp of approval that a supplier has legally and sustainably sourced the timber. It also protects the environment, economy and people within the area of the forest the timber is sourced from. Neglecting to source timber in this way is illegal.

Verified Legal Compliance schemes (VLCs) work in partnership with timber regulations that require companies sourcing timber to have a due diligence system in place. They ensure all the administrative requirements have been completed, that any applicable and relevant laws and regulations related to forestry have been met and check forest management processes. The predominant VLCs are run by the [http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/business/forestry/verification/legal Rainforest Alliance] (SmartWood) and [http://www.bureauveritas.com/services+sheet/olb-certification_14483 Bureau Veritas] (OLB) and are particularly important in West and Central Africa.

In Southeast Asia, the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) set up a scheme, the [http://www.mtc.com.my/resources-MalaysianTimberCertificationScheme.php Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme] (MTCS), which is the first of its kind in the region to be endorsed by PEFC.

TRADA operates its own [http://www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb/certification/supply-chain-certification/forest-products chain of custody scheme] for forest products that aren’t FSC or PEFC certified. It recognises other certification schemes such as MTCC and verification schemes such as Bureau Veritas’ OLB, the [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flegt Forest Law Enforcement, Government and Trade] (FLEGT), and the Rainforest Alliance VLC.

These schemes determine whether the product complies with policies such as the [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-timber-regulation-guidance-for-business-and-industry EU Timber Regulation] (EUTR) proving they are legal and progressing towards sustainability.

In Europe, the EUTR prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the European market. This means there must be a record of the supplier, the product’s timber species, where it comes from, the amount bought, and a risk assessment on the product. The FLEGT action plan aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.

There are also [http://www.euflegt.efi.int/vpa Voluntary Partnership Agreements] (VPA), which are legally binding trade agreements between the European Union and a timber-producing country outside the EU to ensure timber products come from a legal source.

Other initiatives include the United Nations programme for [http://redd.unfccc.int/ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation] (REDD+) and the [https://forestlegality.org/ Forest Legality Initiative] (FLI), a project run by the World Resources Institute.

== Challenges: what if it isn’t certified? ==

Areas such as the Congo Basin in Africa and Southeast Asia count among the largest areas of biodiversity in the world. At the same time, some of the most vulnerable rural communities live here whose livelihoods depend on the forest.

Identifying sustainable sources from these regions can be challenging. FSC records a low number of chain of custody certificates and certified forest areas. According to PEFC, only 11% of the world’s forests are certified.

This places pressure on the supply chain to ensure the timber has not been sourced in a way that negatively impacts the local area. Instead of avoiding supply of timber from these areas, some companies go an extra-long way to ensure positive impact on local communities:

[https://www.interholco.com/en/ Interholco] supplies wood from Africa but has taken strides to ensure the people and the forests are not negatively affected by the trading of timber. On the contrary: Its African base in the Republic of Congo provides income for more than 1,000 employees and more than 16,000 local and indigenous people living in the area. Everyone in the area has access to jobs and training, medical care, pensions and many of the other things we take for granted in the UK.

Interholco implements a forest management plan, carries out inventories, and studies the local wildlife among other things. In October this year, Inteholco’s conservation of several thousand gorillas earned them a [https://mailchi.mp/interholco/your-1-stop-connection-to-sustainable-hardwood-made-in-africa-2012481?e=ccde7186e5 German Nature Film Award]. The project was filmed by Franco-German TV channel, ARTE, and showed the positive long-term economic impact for local people.

== Timber procurement: practical steps ==

The main consideration when procuring timber is to guarantee it has been sustainably sourced. Check it has been verified and use due diligence systems. There is a wealth of information available from all of the initiatives mentioned in this newsletter and also from timber trade bodies such as [https://www.trada.co.uk/ TRADA] and the [https://ttf.co.uk/ Timber Trade Federation].

To keep up to date with the challenges facing global forestry, [https://www.globalforestwatch.org/#slides/2 Global Forest Watch] provides a free resource that allows users to explore the latest data and the impact on different areas around the world.

Both, FSC and PEFC provide delivery checklists. These support in checking deliveries of PEFC- or FSC-certified, responsibly sourced materials with a handy reference guide. The FSC pocket-sized guide is currently available free of charge to Wood for Good supporters in the UK. Order your copies today in packs of 5, 10 or more by completing the form at [https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/woodforgood https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/woodforgood].

PEFC's guide is inclusive of all certificates - PEFC, FSC, GiB Chain of Custody - and can be downloaded [https://www.pefc.co.uk/system/resources/W1siZiIsIjIwMTkvMDgvMjkvNW9ucnh5aHBuel9UaW1iZXJfRGVsX2NoZWNrbGlzdF9wb3N0ZXIucGRmIl1d/Timber%20Del%20checklist%20poster.pdf here]. PEFC also offer an inclusive CPD that talks you through benefits of all certification schemes and what to watch out for. More information can be accessed [https://www.pefc.co.uk/markets-for-pefc/construction-building-design here].