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Wood Certification Programs and Sustainable Forestry
Several forest certification programs in the United States and Canada develop forest management standards and issue certificates to forestry operators who comply with the program's criteria. These programs focus on protecting biodiversity within our forests, risks to water, species, and wildlife, ensuring harvest levels are sustainable, and that reforestation occurs. So why does this matter to us, and why should it matter to you? When building and designing a home or room, the end goal typically isn't just about functionality but also about telling a story. A story that leads with color, texture, shape, and contrast is why it's so important to choose the right product.
Wood, one of the primary materials used in home construction, has its own story to tell. Many of us don't think about the processes that go into the finished product, whether it's side paneling or a dining table set, from the forest to our door. That's where wood certification programs come in. These programs aim to consider the management of wood and minimize any detrimental impact on the environment and society while ensuring its place in the global economy.
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The Five Largest Wood Certification Programs
Not all wood certification programs are alike, and not all hold the same level of accountability. There are upwards of 50 forest certification programs, and only ten percent of all forested areas are certified. The US National Association of State Foresters asserts that "credible forest certification programs include the following fundamental elements:
- That they have independent governance
- That they are a multi-stakeholder standard
- That certification be independent
- That there be a clear process for complaints/appeals
- That there be open participation and transparency.
When choosing wood for your home improvement project, it's important to look for one of these stamps of approval to support sustainable forest management.
Forest Stewardship Council
As the most well-known certification program in the US, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) covers 380 million acres of certified land. FSC is a non-profit organization with a mission to "promote environmentally sound, socially beneficial and economically prosperous management of the world's forests." The certification program has some of the more strict guidelines than other forest certifications that include principles that address legal issues, indigenous rights, labor rights, and an environmental impact assessment about land management.
Forest Stewardship Council Certification
FSC's chain-of-custody certification follows all the steps a products takes through the supply chain. FSC is the original (and initially, the only) recognized certification program for ensuring wood meets sustainability criteria accepted by the US Green Building Council's LEED rating systems. The Forest Stewardship Council website helps buyers source sustainable paper, lumber, flooring, deck, fence boards, doors, and windows, to name a few.
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Rise
At Rise, we strive to make sustainable home improvement easy and accessible for everyone. Whether you're building or renovating, our thoroughly vetted building products will help you reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and create a more sustainable living or working environment.
