PEFC Update

We look at the results of the Central Point of Expertise on Timber Biannual Review

IN DECEMBER, DEFRA confirmed that PEFC sustainable forest management certification provides an assurance that certified timber products originate from legal and sustainable sources.

The government has signalled its preference for certified timber products in its timber procurement policy and recommends consumers make the same responsible choice.

The announcement follows a detailed bi-annual review of forest certification systems by the Government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET) for further details see. From 1 April 2009, supply of certified timber will be a contractual requirement for government procurement.

PEFC UK’s Chairman Peter Latham welcomed the outcome commenting: “We are
delighted to learn that once again the Government has judged PEFC to meet its
sustainable timber procurement criteria. CPET provides UK companies with a strong incentive to commit to responsible sourcing of wood products by undergoing PEFC chain of custody certification”.

John White, chief executive of the UK Timber Trade Federation also endorsed DEFRA’s decision saying: “The announcement is of utmost importance to traders in the UK, who import nearly £3 billion of timber products each year. The Government’s recommendation on sustainable sourcing of timber-based products will enable our member companies to continue to offer a wide range of responsibly-sourced products to their customers.”

Since PEFC’s initial rating as legal and sustainable by the UK Government in August
2005, the PEFC certified forest area has increased by another 80 million hectares
globally and currently tops the 210 million mark.

The number of chain of custody certificates in the UK has risen sharply over the past two years and to date, almost 1,000 paper and timber companies in the UK have opted for PEFC certification with demand showing little sign of slowing, despite the current challenging economic climate.

PEFC Debut at Ecobuild
In response to rapidly growing demand for PEFCcertified timber products from the UK construction sector – driven both by government and private sector responsible timber procurement policies – PEFC exhibited at Ecobuild for the first time this year. The Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes awards additional code points based on the percentage of certified timber and timber products both for building and finishing elements while using certified timber can also win extra BRE EcoHomes/BREEAM credits. In addition, The Olympic Delivery Authority’s decision to allow only certified timber to be used in 2012 Olympics projects has further increased demand for certified product. Currently, all but one of the members of the Olympics Timber Panel is dual certified for chain of custody to PEFC and FSC.

Contractors for Olympics projects will have to purchase from the panel or obtain prior approval from the ODA to purchase elsewhere.

UK Chairman Latham adds: “Exhibiting at the UK’s premier sustainable construction show, where there was a strong timber industry presence this year, provided an important opportunity for us to raise awareness of the PEFC programme within an influential timber buying sector who are able to lead the drive for certified timber.”