Three of the world's leading forest certification organisations will be sharing a stand at Ecobuild 2012 to promote and educate visitors on a wide range of issues surrounding the supply of legal and sustainable timber into the UK market. Joining PEFC on Stand S1221 will be the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC).

This year PEFC are also happy to be included on the very popular TRADA Tours. The B tour that includes PEFC starts at 12.30 and 3.30 each day beginning at the TRADA stand. PEFC will be promoting its updated guidelines for Project Chain of Custody certification during the show. Although Chain of Custody certification is well suited for the on-going and continuous production of certified products, it is not always the most efficient option for short-term projects involving different, uncertified contractors, such as in the construction industry.

Project Chain of Custody certification is suitable for projects from newbuild commercial and office buildings, to housing projects and renovation and refurbishment schemes, to virtually any work that involves wood.

Alun Watkins, National Secretary of PEFC UK said: “Now is a good time to investigate the benefits of PEFC Project Chain of Custody certification. It is a process that is relatively easy to implement and enables Main Contractors and the Clients to take advantage of PEFC certification along with all of its sustainability credentials. The responsible sourcing of timber is high on the agenda for many companies and this offers a great way of making a bold statement about the environmental credentials of your project.”

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To help understand the vast and complex resource of tropical timber, the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) will be available to provide a wide range of information about Malaysia’s sustainable forestry management methods. You can also find out more about the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) and its work certifying Malaysian forests and raw materials, to provide a rich and valuable source of sustainable wood, ideal for construction, decking, cladding and interior applications.

Sheam Satkuru-Granzella, Director of MTC, based in London, said: “The challenges facing tropical forests have never been greater than in the last two years, and having obtained PEFC-endorsement in 2009, the Malaysian Timber Certification System has had to prove even more that it is capable of supplying PEFC-certified timber and wood products. Our presence at Ecobuild is to drive home the message that despite the complexities that face tropical forests, Malaysia has proven that it can be done and we want to be publicly acknowledged for progress achieved to date. The Malaysian Timber Council has fully supported the Malaysian Timber Certification System as the credibility of the Malaysian industry and the independent national certification scheme goes hand in hand – one’s success is also the success of the other.”

The SFI forest management standard was recently re-endorsed by PEFC and companies can certify to both the PEFC and SFI chain-of-custodies, both of which are accepted by the UK’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber. “Green building and third-party forest certification grew up together as progressive and effective responses to global concerns about sustainable development – and the bond has never been stronger,” said SFI President and CEO Kathy Abusow. “SFI is proud to be part of PEFC’s global network with national members in 34 countries who share our commitment to sustainable forest management.”

For further information on Tel: +44 (0)114 307 2334 or email: [email protected] or visit: www.pefc.co.uk