In an industry first Timbmet Ltd has collaborated with environmental pressure group Greenpeace to launch a training course.

The alliance will see Greenpeace working with Timbmet on the development and delivery of the ‘Specifying Certified Hardwoods: Answers for Architects’ course under Timbmet’s new ‘Timber Centre of Excellence’ training initiative.

Timbmet says that with changes in the government’s timber procurement policy requiring timber to be from legal and sustainable sources’, increasing non-government consumer demand for certified timber and international biodiversity protection commitments, architects are seeking clarification of the issues involved and assistance in compiling specifications which meet those requirements.

The course aims to provide the answers and give delegates a better understanding of hardwood as a construction and joinery material.

Greenpeace and Timbmet both advocate the specification of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber and promotional material for the course will feature a ‘Greepeace Promoting FSC’ message.

&#8220Architects are coming to the realisation that they really can specify environmentally friendly timbers, even certified tropical hardwoods.”

Timbmet chief executive Simon Fineman.

Timbmet chief executive Simon Fineman said: “Architects are coming to the realisation that they really can specify environmentally friendly timbers, even certified tropical hardwoods.”

He said the course contains special emphasis on understanding third party certification.

Andy Tait from Greenpeace said: “To protect the world’s ancient forests, it is essential all timber comes from independently certified sources. Greenpeace is delighted Timbmet is taking an industry lead in promoting FSC to architects and to be working with them on this project.”