Advice on how to specify legal and sustainable timber is contained on a new website launched by Defra’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET).
The website, which is aimed at government and companies supplying government, will be maintained by consultancy ProForest and the address is www.proforest.net/cpet.
As well as advice on specifying legal and sustainable timber, buyers and suppliers will find out how to ensure they get what they ask for, background information on how practical solutions were developed, and under what criteria evidence should be assessed.
Environment minister Elliot Morley said the website will help promote legal and sustainable timber to customers and markets in the UK and overseas.
“Through CPET the government is developing its promise to help buyers and suppliers implement responsible timber purchasing policies and I urge them to use the services on offer.
“The UK is the first major government that has taken firm steps to ensure central government departments buy timber that is verifiably legal. This is a success and has been the single most important driver of change of behaviour in the UK private sector and the rapid expansion of the market for certified timber.”
Other CPET services include a telephone helpline, training workshops, assessing forest certification schemes, devising a methodology for assessing alternative forms of evidence, monitoring how successfully government departments are implementing the timber procurement policy and how effectively CPET assists the process.
CPET will also offer advice on implementing the policies of other public bodies aimed at purchasing legal and sustainable timber.
