The government’s decision to accept the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as proof of timber’s sustainability has been welcomed as “good news” by the industry.
The Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET), which advises government on timber sourcing, said changes made by the schemes had now satisfied its procurement requirements on sustainability.
Richard Lambert, director of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), said the decision was helpful to the whole industry and brings great benefit to BWF members because it puts PEFC on an equal footing with other schemes. He said the majority of UK timber is Scandinavian, which is predominantly PEFC-certified.
He said: “Since Defra’s original decision the movement has been towards ‘FSC or nothing’. We have always said that it is not for us to differentiate between one scheme or another.”
Dr Mike Packer, of Timbmet, said PEFC’s success gives the trade a greater option for buying certified wood but he thought the decision may take time to make an impact, as some procurement officers and construction companies may prefer Forest Stewardship Council-certified timber.
Keith Fryer, director of London merchant T Brewer, described CPET’s announcement as “fantastic news”, while Timber Trade Federation chief executive John White said it would increase the supply of certified timber and extend choice.
William Banzhaf, president of the independent Sustainable Forestry Board, which has authority over the SFI standard, congratulated the government on its “transparent and comprehensive” assessment of forest certification schemes.
Environment minister Elliot Morley said PEFC is on probation until it shows its national organisations are following the new standards.
