The report provides a snapshot of work in progress against the ODA’s proposed 12 sustainability objectives, which includes the sourcing of environmental and socially responsible materials. All contractors working on the Olympics project will have to show how they meet the objectives.
TTF chief executive John White said The Federation was 100% behind the sustainability objectives of the Olympics but expressed concern that a Forest Stewarship Council (FSC)-only approach might be taken with regard to certification.
This fear, he said, stemmed from the mayor of London’s recently-published supplementary planning guidance which highlights FSC as the preferred standard for sourcing of wood products in all new major developments in the capital.
“If they go down that route, they will not get all the wood they can use for the Olympics,” said Mr White. “Timber is the most sustainable building material going. We ought to be encouraging its use and not putting barriers in its way.”
Mr White said the timber industry’s Olympics strategy group, which includes the TTF, TRADA, British Woodworking Federation, UK Timber Frame Association, Wood for Good, ConFor and the Forestry Commission, would be lobbying strongly to communicate timber’s sustainability credentials to the ODA.
The ODA will produce a detailed sustainability strategy next year, which is expected to include more details of material sourcing.
