The standard enables one-off certification of a construction project and access to the FSC trademarks to promote the use of FSC timber and construction products.
New build or refurbishment projects are eligible, as are residential or commercial buildings and temporary constructions such as festival sites or civil engineering formwork. Even boats or skate parks can apply.
FSC said the main advantage of the standard is that a construction company and several subcontractors can be included in a single certificate, provided the subcontractors are working on bespoke items for the project. This applies whether the fabrication is on or off site.
Contractors supplying items from their standard ranges will still need normal chain of custody certification.
There are two options – full certification which requires the use of at least 50% FSC certified timber with the balance coming from sources which meet the FSC controlled wood standard, and partial certification where certain elements are FSC certified – for example windows and doors.
Pilot testing was carried out prior to the approval of the standard at a timber framed construction for Tower Homes at Ilford Wharf (TTJ 16/23 September 2006).
The standard was developed in response to the need for construction projects to be able to demonstrate their responsible timber purchasing.
