Smarter Business: Greening Advisor

Forest Stewardship Council certified wood

Forests create oxygen, protect biodiversity, supply clean freshwater, filter pollutants from the air, and help mitigate global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas. They play an essential role in water purification and can help protect against floods and erosion. The Forest Stewardship Council is an international agency that tracks and certifies sustainably harvested wood and wood products. Wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council has been harvested in a more sustainable manner with a reduced impact on wildlife habitat and indigenous cultures. FSC is the only certification system acknowledged by the world’s leading environmental groups, including NRDC, to provide adequate protection for the world’s forests. By purchasing FSC certified wood, your company is supporting more responsible forestry practices that help protect forest ecosystems. The amount of FSC-certified wood available in the market is growing. When conducting a renovation or new construction project, consult with your company’s architects, contractors, and suppliers and try to use FSC-certified products.

To find suppliers of FSC-certified wood products, submit a product inquiry through the FSC website, or visit the Forest Certification Resource Center database (be sure to search for FSC-certified products, and not those certified through the industry vehicle SFI).

Additional Resources

• NRDC’s Forests website
• NRDC’s Good Wood website
• NRDC's Consumer's Guide to Buying Wood
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Forest Stewardship Council: Designing and Building with FSC
• Forest Stewardship Council: US
• Prodealers and Wholesalers of Green Building Wood Products
• Sample procurement language—Alliance for Credible Forest Certification