Benefits of a timber procurement policy

Sustainability is a topic in which Local Authorities are increasingly well versed.  

If your local authority buys or specifies: 

• Construction products such as timber joists
• Products for repairs & maintenance such as plywood
• Furniture
• Paper
• Wooden benches
• Fencing
• Wood chips for energy production
• Pallets
• Other forest products

read on…..

you can take simple yet effective steps to having a positive impact on the world’s forests by adopting a responsible timber procurement policy.

Over the last 50 years, the world has lost 50% of its forest cover, so we would like to work with Local Authorities who recognise the importance of the choices they make, to safeguard what is left. Properly managed, timber is a genuinely renewable resource and we’d like to show that Local Authorities can help forests through purchasing practices. The good news is – by doing this you can also reduce your carbon footprint. Many Local Authorities already buy Fairtrade products, and have sustainable procurement policies, so we would like to build on these strengths. You will no doubt also be familiar with the available Government Buying Standards, formerly known as, 'Buy Sustainable - Quick Wins'.  Locally sourced wood is also an increasingly important source of energy for Local Authorities that should be included in a timber procurement policy. This Carbon Trust document provides an introduction to biomass heating:  

CPET, WWF-UK and the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) are working closely together to encourage local authorities to implement policies on timber procurement. Our initiative is supported by Local Partnerships

Guy Coulson, who works in their Sustainable Procurement team says: "Deforestation is not only a significant contributor to global warming but also devastating to ecosystems and species worldwide. Through responsible procurement practices local authorities can influence the market to protect natural resources and at the same time support local industry toward a sustainable future." 

 Local authorities can do so by:  

•     Issuing a clear policy on what timber and paper to buy for authority work and use
•     Always asking for legal and sustainable forest products, or recycled products
•     Checking and recording basic information on whether what you bought met your policy

 It doesn't have to be hard, expensive or difficult to demonstrate progress.  In return our commitment is to support you and help dispel the following myths:

 ·       Myth 1 - Finding these products is hard and they are always more expensive

Local Authorities should specify legal and sustainable timber as a first choice. Evidence of sustainability includes timber certified under forest certification schemes, and CPET advises that the two main international systems are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The majority of timber used in the UK is softwood, and around 90% of UK grown and imported softwood is certified, as are all UK produced panels such as MDF and chipboard. So in many cases, for buyers, specifying certified timber should not be a problem and at no extra cost. However, in some cases, particularly specialist tropical hardwood timber products, certified timber is less available and could incur additional cost.  If you have any difficulties contact us.

        Myth 2 - It requires a lot of work and resources

We acknowledge the limited resources available to Local Authorities’ personnel. That is why we offer free tools, support and practical advice. Please see the support available section for more information.

The WWF also has free online publications to help you.

For a 6 steps approach to implementing a responsible timber procurement policy, please click here

 ·       Myth 3 - Showing we have done the right thing is too difficult

We can provide very simple tools to help you check your purchases and record the information. Even a simple yes or no listing as to whether you could tell your product was from a certified source is a good start. This monitoring template can be used as it is or adapted to your specific needs. WWF will be setting up pledges that help lead you through different steps to change, and to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

We provide information, supporting documents and advice to local authorities, free of charge. For more detail, please see our available support section and our presentation leaflet. 

Relevant articles/publications:

Environmental vow signed by council - Buxton Advertiser June 2011

The timber trail - Public Service website 2008