The lack of such a register for government building and refurbishment projects has been a source of criticism from environmental NGOs and the government’s environmental audit committee, both of which believe the government needs data to measure its performance against legal and sustainable timber sourcing policies.
But Bob Andrew, Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ procurement adviser, said the government was reviewing whether it could collect information on its timber purchases.
“This is something we have struggled with for a number of years,” said Mr Andrew. “ But I think we are going to have to consider it.”
He recognised the importance of reliable data in measuring performance but said a huge investment was necessary to change government reporting methods and timber only made up a small proportion of contracts, compared to other materials.
Mr Andrew said the government was considering whether to focus reporting solely on construction, or to include paper and furniture as well.
At the moment government departments are encouraged to mention their timber purchases in an annual Sustainable Development in Government report, but this is not a mandatory requirement.
