After a long and occasionally difficult journey, the majority of the UK Timber Trade Federation members have achieved what they voted to do two years ago – to implement auditable environmental due diligence procedures. Around 150 companies from large corporations to small agents have successfully completed their obligation, representing a substantial percentage of the UK’s importing trade.

The forthcoming launch of the TTF’s second Responsible Purchasing Policy annual report is expected to show that the industry’s performance is improving – with some dramatic changes in the past three years.

On the surface, the challenge of environmental due diligence appeared to a mountain that was difficult to climb, yet many of those who have been through the process, have reported that while the prospect may have been daunting, the actual process wasn’t as painful as they’d thought. And the latest Annual Report will be evidence of this.

It takes time for the messages to be fully appreciated, but due diligence is a very positive good thing for the trade. The collated results in the report are set to demonstrate increased levels of certification, verification and reduced risk – something our customers want to hear. The EU Timber Regulation becomes effective in 2013, which in trade terms is not far, so the steps the industry has already taken are very encouraging and will stand the industry in very good stead.

Once it is published, the information in the annual report will be our evidence of the industry’s ability to deliver on its promise – to show that it recognises the importance of environmental due diligence. The figures from the report will be quoted by politicians and policy makers and will also absolutely support the work the TTF does in representing the trade, it is invaluable. The UK is an important market and we are viewed as market leaders; long may that continue.

I cannot thank enough all the members of the UK TTF and the staff that supported implementation. It has been a learning curve, but ensuring we improve, monitor and report performance is crucial in supporting our claims that timber is the most environmentally friendly building material.

Rachel Butler
Head of sustainability
Timber Trade Federation