Architects and Building Contractors
More and more professionals in the building industry are switching to FSC-certified lumber. Many have made the change because they want to make choices that protect the environment.Others are beginning to make the change because of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM ) program. LEED is a design guideline that awards points to a commercial building in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation & design process.The goal of LEED is to "improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings using established and innovative practices, standards and technologies" (LEED TM Rating System version 2.1). To earn a credit under the materials & resources category, LEED requires that a minimum of 50% (based on cost) of wood-based materials and products used during construction be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Companies that use the LEED system are offered several local and state government incentives. Perhaps their greatest incentive, however, is the chance to compete for one of several LEED awards based on the number of credits their "green" building has earned.
Another institutional driver of demand for FSC-certified lumber comes from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The AIA accredits the U.S. chapter of FSC (FSC-US) and several nonprofit organizations to offer one, two, and three-hour training programs to architectural and building firms in the US.These programs introduce architects and builders to FSC certification, provide information on sourcing FSC-certified products and ways to use certified products more efficiently, and offer project planning resources. For more information, please visit FSC.
Printers and Paper Manufacturers
The United States is the largest market for paper products in the world. We produce 90 million tons of paper each year and consume 100 million tons! On top of that, approximately 25 percent of our annual timber harvest is used for paper.
There are currently 3 labels used to identify the different types of FSC certified paper. The FSC Mixed Source label ensures that the wood pulp used in the paper came from an FSC certified forest, company controlled sources and/or recycled materials.The FSC 100% Recycled label ensures that the paper is made from 100% post consumer recycled wood fiber as defined by FSC standards. Lastly, the FSC 100% Virgin Fiber label ensures that the paper is made from sustainable forests that comply with the environmental and social standards of the FSC.
As with other wood products, FSC certified paper follows through Chain-of-Custody certified forests or pulp providers, mills, distributors and finally certified printers.
Check out our Product Finder to help you find FSC certified paper, printers, and distributors committed to promoting the use of sustainable paper.
Industrial Landowners
Though no large industrial landowners are certified in Washington State, landowners in other states and regions, such as Collins Pine, Potlatch and Alberta Pacific have chosen FSC certification.
For a list of FSC Chain-of-Custody companies in Washington State, please click here.
For a nationwide list of FSC-certified companies, please click here.