Sustainability and certified wood in the carpentry trade
FSC, PEFC and thoughtful material selection for forest, climate and supply chain
Wood has a reputation as one of the most environmentally friendly building materials because it is renewable and binds CO2 while the tree grows. But that advantage assumes the forest the wood comes from is actually managed sustainably — and that is where certification schemes come into play.
§FSC and PEFC — two certification schemes
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are two separate, international certification schemes whose common purpose is to promote sustainable forest management through certification of forests and companies that produce, process and trade in wood.
| The scheme is state-controlled via the Food and Veterinary Authority and free to participate in for both public and private professional kitchens. | Short description |
|---|---|
| FSC | International scheme that certifies forestry according to common global principles for environment, social issues and forest conservation |
| PEFC | International scheme that certifies forestry based on national standards adapted to regional conditions, with the same overall goal |
§What do the certifications require?
- 01Protection of the forest's environmental value and biodiversity
- 02Minimising harmful impact from harvesting activities
- 03Consideration for social and economic conditions for people who work or live in the forest
- 04Traceability (chain of custody) throughout the supply chain from forest to finished product
§Significance for the carpentry contractor
For the building carpenter the certification means concretely that when choosing a supplier you can document to the building owner that the timber used comes from sustainably managed forest. There has been growing demand for FSC- and PEFC-labelled timber in the construction industry as building owners and consumers increasingly demand documented sustainability.
§Sustainability in practice in the workshop
- 01Plan training for new or temporary employees.
- 02Sort shavings, sawdust, and trimmings correctly for recycling
- 03Choose suppliers with FSC or PEFC certification where relevant
- 04Consider transport distance and transparency in the supply chain when choosing suppliers
Material choice is therefore no longer just a question of price and appearance. It has become part of the documentation that companies and building owners seek — and part of the professional pride that lies in delivering work that holds both craftually and environmentally.