RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRY
ABOUT FSC WOOD How does FSC work?
Forest Management (FM) certification Trademark/ WHAT IS FSC? Labeling The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) operates a certification program for responsibly Retailer managed forests and the products that are Saw Mill Factory Processor sourced from them. Their principles spell out Forest a triple-bottom-line approach to responsible forest management, balancing benefits to the environment, the economy, and society Chain of Custody (COC) certification (FSC - The 10 Principles). HOW DOES FSC WORK? | DIAGRAM COURTESY FSC WHY IS FSC IMPORTANT? industries that rely on natural resource extraction and Deforestation causes 20% of global greenhouse plant cultivation.” This aligns well with FSC’s mission to gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, it decreases “… promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial the capacity of biological systems to and economically prosperous management of the world’s sequester CO . FSC Certification helps protect 2 forests” (FSC Mission and Vision). forests from irresponsible and unsustainable management practices so that future WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? generations can continue to have access to The Living Building Challenge (I12) requires all wood used these resources, forest-dwelling species can in projects to be FSC certified, from salvaged sources, or continue to thrive, and ecosystem services intentionally harvested from onsite timber for the purpose from forests can continue to be enjoyed by all of clearing the site. For more information regarding the species, both human and non-human (Why requirements of the Living Building Challenge, see the v3.1 Forests Matter). Living Building Challenge Standard (v3.1 LBC Standard).
WHY IS THIS PART OF THE LIVING WILL IT COST MORE? BUILDING CHALLENGE? Not always (Sustainable Northwest - Is FSC Wood More The intent of Imperative 12, Responsible Expensive?)! It depends on market conditions and the Industry, is “to reduce the damaging length of the supply chain (FSC-Certified Wood and environmental and social impacts related to Products Fetch Higher Prices). Ultimately, FSC wood may be more expensive because non-FSC suppliers discount their products to compete with FSC suppliers (FSC - Costs and Benefits of Forest Certification). Following the tips on the next page will help minimize cost premiums associated with FSC wood.
FORESTS ARE CRITICAL TO LIFE | DIAGRAM COURTESY FSC
01 RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRY RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRY TIPS FOR SOURCING
Finding FSC wood can be HOW TO MEET LBC TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS tough, but here are some tips REQUIREMENTS • Begin the search for FSC wood and resources to make the early - there can be longer lead IF YOU ENCOUNTER FSC process easier. times for FSC wood SOURCING ISSUES • Communicate with contractors WHAT IS THE The Living Building Challenge and subcontractors early - PROCESS FOR... has certain Clarifications and educate about project goals FINDING FSC? Exceptions which allow projects • Identify potential alternatives • FSC Lumber Sourcing by State to use additional types of wood. • Engage with mills and vendors to • FSC Marketplace Using these types of wood may request an FSC option • FSC Product Inquiry Form require additional documentation, • Advocate for adoption of FSC • FSC Public Certificate Search as explained in the Materials Petal standards and products – make Handbook: sourcing easier in the future SPECIFYING FSC? • Salvaged wood • Design projects to use “standard • FSC should be written in the • Underwater salvaged wood materials”, rather than materials performance requirements • Intentional on-site harvested with custom dimensions • Include Chain of Custody wood • Be thoughtful about placement documentation as submittal • Pending FSC Certification wood of wood in projects requirement • Invasive species The staff of the Forest Stewardship Pine Beetle Infected ° Council US are available to help Western Juniper ° project teams. They can be Black Locust ° reached at [email protected]. • Donated surplus wood For questions about the Living • Urban harvested wood • Storm-felled wood Building Challenge, please contact [email protected].
CASE STUDIES
The Bullitt Center (Case Study)
Tyson Living Learning Center (Case Study)
Hawaii Prep Academy Energy Lab (Case Study) Forest Stewardship Council 2015 Leadership Awards Winners (Case Study)
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