According to the government’s Central Point of Expertise (CPET) on timber, four environmental certification schemes are equal. But out in the market place, it seems, some are still more equal than others.
As TTJ has mentioned on many an occasion, CPET’s verdict is that the Canadian CSA, American SFI, and international FSC and PEFC schemes all satisfy government criteria as evidence of timber’s sustainability and legality. This means that specifiers and contractors working on government projects should not discriminate between them. And, while there can’t be any coercion, the aspiration is clearly that the wider public and private marketplaces follow this lead and adopt CPET’s even-handed recommendations.
But, as many have vouched to TTJ, in the field one scheme is still chosen above another, and it’s generally the FSC. This is partly put down to the fact that the latter still has the highest profile, thanks to backing from green groups and its status as the scheme of choice for some big retailers, including Marks & Spencer. The situation is also thought to be the consequence of a lack of awareness of CPET’s rulings on the different schemes, even in government circles.
Now, however, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
BM TRADA Certification (BMTC) is sounding out the trade on the introduction of a new initiative whereby timber and wood products would simply be flagged as being legal and sustainable under government criteria whether they’re sanctioned by the FSC, PEFC, SFI or CSA. It is also planning a chain of custody system for certification schemes sanctioned by CPET as proof of legality only or satisfying its Category B criteria on environmentally-sound sourcing.
The project still needs UK Accreditation Service approval. But BMTC says it could be up and running by the summer.
If it does come to fruition, it could be a breakthrough. It could reduce confusion about the merits of the various certification schemes and the need to segregate material sanctioned by each. Ultimately, says BMTC, it might even promote bridge building between them. All of which would greatly simplify life for timber suppliers and buyers alike.
