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What is Forest Certification?
FSC certification is a voluntary process in which an independent third party confirms that a product has been produced in accordance with specified environmental and social standards.
Two FSC – accredited organizations offer certification services in the United States: The Rainforest Alliance’s
SmartWood Program and
Scientific Certification System’s Forest Conservation Program.
Both organizations offer two types of certification: Forest management and chain-of-custody. The former applies to the forestry practices, including harvesting, of landowners and forest managers. The latter is for companies that are primary or secondary manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. If a company passes the annual inspection, which is similar to a financial audit, it is entitled to stamp its lumber with an FSC seal certifying that the wood came from a sustainably managed forest.
Because of its credibility, independent third party certification remains the best way of validating claims of sustainable forest management.
For more information, contact the Certified Forest Products Council at www.certifiedwood.org or
(888) 737-3877.
Edensaw received its chain-of-custody certification in April of 1998.
Information for Architects
What Can You Do to Advance Sustainable Design?
Specify FSC certified wood in your projects. Architects are in a unique position to drive the forest products market, leading by example. Coupled with the motto to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” this is one of the most effective ways to reduce the consumption of wood products globally and locally.
For more information on suppliers of FSC certified wood, please contact the Certified Forest Products Council at (888) 737-3877 or www.certifiedwood.org.
Other Web Sites of Interest
FSC, Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization. It was founded in 1993 by a diverse group of representatives from environmental and conservation groups, the timber industry, the forestry profession, indigenous peoples' organizations, community forestry groups and forest product certification organizations from 25 countries.
FSC - Forest Stewardship Council United States
The United States arm of the Forest Stewardship Council.
FSC-UK Working Group
The United Kingdom arm of the Forest Stewardship Council.
Accredited Certification Bodies
SmartWood
Initiated in 1989, SmartWood was the first forest management certification program of its kind, operating in all forest types on a worldwide basis. SmartWood is a program of the Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit environmental group based in New York City.
The SmartWood Program reduces the negative impacts of commercial forestry by awarding its seal of approval to responsible forest managers.
Scientific Certification Systems
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) was established in 1984 as the nation's first third-party certifier for testing pesticide residues in fresh produce. In the past 15 years, the company has evolved to become a certifier of multiple facets of the food industry and of the environmentally sound management of forests, marine habitats and a wide variety of businesses.
SGS
The SGS Group of companies is the world leader in inspection, testing and verification. It operates in more than 140 countries through its network of subsidiaries and laboratories.
Silva Forest Foundation
The Silva Forest Foundation, (SFF), is a nonprofit organization based in the West Kootenay of British Columbia, Canada,. The board and staff of the SFF are scientists and activists with decades of experience in working with rural communities to develop diverse forest uses, which protect, maintain and restore forests.
Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s)
Co-Op America's WoodWise Consumer Guide
Co-op America's WoodWise Consumer Guide provides practical tips and resources you can use every day to be forest friendly. If you care about forests, if you already recycle and want to do more, this guide is for you.
National Audubon Society
Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and biological diversity.
Natural Resources Defense Council
Natural Resources Defense Council uses law, science, and the support of more than 500,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests for the benefit of the global community.
U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.
The Wilderness Society
Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society works to protect America's wilderness and to develop a nation-wide network of wild lands through public education, scientific analysis and advocacy.
World Resources Institute
World Resources Institute provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems.
World Wildlife Fund - US
WWF's goal is to stop, and eventually reverse, the worsening degradation of the planet's natural environment, and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
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