Sustainable timber
We are committed to incorporating the use of sustainable timber in our construction projects.
Timber is the name for wood used in construction. It is one of the oldest and most versatile building materials. It is extremely durable and potentially it is infinitely renewable.
A WWF report attempts to estimate the UK's ''forest footprint'' on the rest of the world. It estimates that the UK needs 6.4 million hectares of woodland to meet its demand - an area nine times the size of Ireland - just to supply wood for building and furniture, which is why it is so important to ensure we source timber from sustainable sources.
The forests that supply this timber need to be properly managed if we are to avoid losing them forever. Unfortunately, much of the timber that is used in construction may have been logged illegally.
Contract administrators, other construction professionals and contractors are required to demonstrate that their projects use only sustainable timber with the internationally recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) "chain of custody" certification.
The FSC certification ensures timber has been sourced from a responsibly managed forest by tracking parcels of timber from forest to end user, stopping illegal trade. This promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests.
Developments using sustainable timber
Projects benefiting from sustainable timber are:
- Fairfax House
- Warwick House
- Langholm Close
Sustainable timber purchasing procedure for consultants
The sustainable timber purchasing procedure provides guidance for consultants on how to meet the requirements of our Sustainable Timber Procurement Policy. This includes:
- prepared clauses for use in specifications
- covering letters
- tender evaluation
- contract monitoring
- guidance on the evidence required to show certification and compliance with our policy is provided.
Sustainable timber windows supplier list
The sustainable timber windows supplier list details suppliers of timber windows which carry recognised sustainability accreditation. It provides:
- supplier contact details
- the type of accreditation they carry (e.g. FSC), the security they offer (e.g. Secured by Design), thermal performance
- some additional comments relevant to procurement and sustainability.
While firms listed have been contacted, the market is changing, so consultants and contractors are advised to check directly with the firms.
Sustainable timber purchasing - policy statement
The sustainable timber purchasing policy statement describes how we intend where possible to commit to the pursuit of best practice in the purchase of sustainable timber products.
This means that we will not purchase endangered species and we will give preference to timber and timber panel products which carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or equivalent trademark.
More information
For more information on sustainable timber please visit: