ANALYSIS
Government timber procurement
From 1 April, only timber that
originates from independently
verified, legal and sustainable
sources can be bought for use on
UK government property.
Mike Cartwright from retail chain
B&Q considers the implications
ETHICAL WOOD
T
he government has long encouraged the future of the people whose lives depend on the UK. This means buyers will be able to find
use of sustainable timber across the the forest. what they’re looking for at their nearest store
public sector. However, before last DIY giant B&Q has been using its consid- and at a good price. A unique chain-of-cus-
month, government departments were only erable buying power to promote good forest tody certification code will even appear on the
required to “actively seek” the purchase of management since the early 1990s. In 1993, it receipt next to the item to emphasise the point.
legal and sustainable timber products. There became a founding member of the Forestry Chain-of-custody certification records the
was no obligation on them to do so. Stewardship Commission (FSC). At the path wood products take – from the forest
From 1 April, the government’s stance hard- beginning of last year, it was able to announce to the final consumer – and B&Q’s supply
ened. It is now a requirement that UK govern- that all of its kitchens were FSC-certified. chain was strictly audited by the SmartWood
ment property uses only timber and timber Most recently, the firm has gained chain-of- programme of the Rainforest Alliance. Every
products derived from independently verified, custody certification for both FSC and stage of manufacture, transportation and
legal and sustainable sources. This includes Programme for the Endorsement of Forest distribution was scrutinised, as was the
everything from furniture and construction Certification schemes (PEFC) for over 10,000 movement of the product from one link in the
timber all the way down to paper. This will products sold in every one of its stores across supply chain to the next.
have a big impact – nearly a quarter of all This new regulation goes to the very root of
timber and wood products currently sold in the issue. Through the sourcing and purchase
the UK market are purchased by government of sustainable wood, we are able to help slow
organisations, including local authorities. down the effects of deforestation and directly
Suppliers to government buyers are now benefit local communities from across the
being asked to prove that they have sourced world. As things stand, the obligation only
their wood ethically, for clear evidence applies to English and UK-wide government
that they know the source of their wood, departments, their executive agencies and
and that its management is demonstrably legal non-departmental public bodies.
and sustainable. B&Q believes that sustainable retail should
Helpfully, Defra is providing training and a be a long-term goal for the industry and hopes
free support helpline to buyers and suppliers the devolved administrations in Scotland,
through its Central Point of Expertise on Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit in
Timber (CPET) on 01865 243766 or via the near future, and that the government will
www.proforest.net/cpet. do all it can to encourage local authorities to
The reform is very good news for the follow its lead.
world’s forests. Harvesting timber products
from unsustainable sources destroys ancient Mike Cartwright is B&Q’s business to
forests, harms wildlife and undermines the Cartwright: Reform is good news for world’s forests business director
Sustainable Business 7❘ May 2009 1
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