Builders, architects and designers
Building a better future for forests. Choose FSC. One step at a time.
The construction sector has a significant impact on forests around the world. In the UK alone, it is estimated that the construction sector uses up to 70 per cent of all timber consumed in the UK.
However, the sector may unknowingly be contributing to illegal logging in tropical countries.Worst-case scenarios
Investigations by Greenpeace have shown that EU buildings in Brussels were renovated with wood originating from companies known for trading in timber from Indonesia's dwindling rainforests. Plywood used in the buildings was tracked back to companies involved in the destruction of the forests of Indonesia, including logging inside a reserve for the Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger.
The construction sector therefore has the opportunity to ensure that the impact it makes is a positive one. If you do not use FSC certified timber you may be using illegal or unsustainable timber.
Green design
Sustainable or "green" design and construction practices are growing, especially in North America. Metafore, a WWF collaborator, has produced Wood for Building Green: A Practical Guide (PDF format).
This guide educates architects designers, developers and building owners about using environmentally responsible wood products in their projects. It also highlights the role of lesser-known species, grade selection and recycled wood usage in those purchasing decisions.
What you can do as an architect or builder
Starting a project?
Get your good wood here.
If you live in the UK, access the FSC-UK Products Database to search by product, outlet or location. » Go
If you live outside the UK, access the Forest Certification Resource Center's global forest products database. You can search by product, wood species and country among others. » Go
If you live in the UK, access the FSC-UK Products Database to search by product, outlet or location. » Go
If you live outside the UK, access the Forest Certification Resource Center's global forest products database. You can search by product, wood species and country among others. » Go
Having a responsible timber sourcing policy, and giving preference to using certified timber enables architects and companies to establish or enhance a leadership position within industry, government or market sectors. This can lead to new business opportunities.
But you will also know that you are doing the right thing and that you are part of the solution to a global environmental problem, and not the cause.
Practical steps
When specifying wood, attach a blanket statement on timber certification and the FSC. If you are specifying general timber, for which the properties of the timber are important, but the species is not (e.g. roof trusses) ensure that you add "FSC certified" to that specification.
Consider alternatives
When you are specifying a named timber species, consider adding the words "or equivalent". Many of the traditional timbers such as Iroko and mahogany are not readily available yet, in certified form, but there are many lesser know species that can be used as alternatives.
Some of the timber used on site will not even be specified, particularly if it is not to remain on site (e.g. it is used for shuttering). This category could include plywood, MDF and OSB. Don't forget to specify that this timber also be FSC certified!
If your contractor cannot source certified wood:
Direct them to the WWF 95+ Group, a partnership between WWF-UK and companies in the UK who trade in timber and paper products. These companies have an active interest in FSC certified timber and will do all they can to help you obtain it. Alternatively, the Forest Stewardship Council will be able to provide further names of suppliers.
Where can I find out about alternatives?
In the UK, contact the Oxford Forestry Institute Prospect database (01865) 275000 (www.plants.ox.ac.uk), or TRADA (01494) 563091 (www.trada.co.uk), who have a database of timber products and services.
