In EcoHomes 2006, the assessment method rating environmental qualities of new and renovated dwellings, developers using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified timber for any given building element, such as floors or windows, can earn three points towards EcoHomes credits.
But wood certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) earns two points. Independently verified legal timber can secure one point.
CPET regards FSC, PEFC, SFI and CSA as all equally providing evidence of legal and sustainable timber sourcing.
BRE said EcoHomes was updated to meet CPET guidance and also following consultation with EcoHomes Timber credits advisory groups.
Katie Livesey, BRE senior consultant, said PEFC scored fewer points because of its less stringent “social criteria” than other schemes, and due to its probationary status with the government. But she said EcoHomes was “not set in stone” and could be updated further.
