Ready for gold

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has stated that construction of the 2012 Olympic Games is to use 100% sustainably sourced and certified timber. Construction products leader Dr Peter Bonfield stressed that the ODA's procurement policy “puts sustainability as high on the agenda as safety...” and “...sustainability is not just environmental, it's about social factors, health and well-being.” Against this background, chain of custody was key, he said, adding “If you can't show it, you won't deliver.” Our industry must now rise to the challenge.

The 2012 Olympics will showcase the best of sustainable construction on a world stage, but the issue is not just about a sporting event. We can fundamentally change the face of government timber procurement - a real opportunity for our industry to set the benchmark and level the playing field. As an industry we are fortunate to have the most sustainable construction products on the planet. Our competitors cannot win the sustainability race, but we can lose it!

Project chain of custody

What is our advantage? We already have a tested, simple and practical method of proving our case – FSC's project chain of custody (PCoC). The Olympic project is vast and complex, running different schemes and controls at each site will be incredibly expensive and unmanageable. FSC PCoC can be used universally, covering all types of structures, not just timber. If all the shuttering timber and plywood for a concrete bridge or flyover uses only approved timber it can be certified. It can include all Olympic buildings - running tracks, velodromes, car parks, bus lanes, and so on. But, the timber need not be exclusively FSC. PCoC allows a maximum of 49% to be from controlled sources, which permits most PEFC certified material, providing a fair approach to supply while retaining traceability.

In my experience, contractors vying for this lucrative work will invariably have good site controls and at least ISO 9001 QA in place. PCoC is simply an additional procedure incorporated into everyday, good working practice. There is in-built flexibility allowing contractors who do not have their own chain of custody to tender for contracts, because auditors will ensure compliance. In reality it is really quite difficult to procure structural softwoods that do not meet sustainable or at least controlled source criteria.

Also, if we are to deliver a sustainable Olympics, then we also need to look at the national bodies representing the timber and construction industries and ask them why chain of custody is still not mandatory for membership.

PCoC is right for the construction industry and is the only way the ODA or government will be able to make any verifiable claims on the sustainable origins of the timber products used. The rule is very simple - if you don't have chain of custody right through to the contractor handing over the project, you cannot make claims regarding the timber's origin. PCoC will ensure that claims are independently validated by an internationally accredited certification body such as BM TRADA.

Certification world first

Aware of the draft scheme developed by FSC UK and the Netherlands, I suggested to Hollybrook Homes that it may be possible to deliver the world's first certified FSC PcoC at Westside Apartments, which would send a strong message to government and the ODA regarding the huge potential of this scheme for the 2012 Games. Once committed and, already having good site controls in place, Hollybrook took ownership of the process. The result was a building delivered several weeks ahead of schedule, within original budgets and the world's first PCoC. Westside Apartments, which included FSC tropical hardwoods, dispelled the myths about cost, supply and delays regularly put forward by those unconvinced of the viability of chain of custody. Proof of its commercial viability is that Hollybrook Homes is currently developing other projects using PCoC.

We have an opportunity for FSC and PEFC to work towards the same goal. Jointly endorse FSC PCoC and draw on the strengths of all scheme members to deliver simple, effective, easily monitored and controlled accreditation, independently audited and at no significant cost to either the government or contractor.

Greenpeace has said that: "If the ODA is serious about backing up its commitment to sourcing good wood, it should use the FSC project chain of custody on its building sites. This is the only way to ensure that dodgy timber stays out of the Olympics."

I believe that FSC project chain of custody is the only option at present, to guarantee the world's most sustainable Olympics.