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Specify FSC in project performance requirements!
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Include Chain-of-Custody documentation as a submittal requirement. Unique to FSC in forest certification, chain of custody verifies that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified material as it makes its way along the supply chain, from forest all the way through to final product. It provides assurance that the material originated from a well-managed forest.
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Don't assume - verify! Before sourcing building materials and other FSC products, visit info.fsc.org to verify that companies have a valid certification. All organizations with valid FSC certifications are included in this database - if they're not listed or their certification is not currently showing as valid, they're not certified.
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Require that companies include an FSC claim on their purchase invoices. FSC claims must include the company's Chain-of-Custody Certificate Code, which is a unique identifier connected to each certified company. Use info.fsc.org to make sure the CoC number given matches the actual company name associated with it. One company cannot use another's CoC number. Questions? Contact info@us.fsc.org for help.
Sample Specification Language
[Product Name] shall be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. As proof, provide vendor invoices for the product that include the vendor’s FSC Chain-of-Custody code (verify vendor CoC certificate codes and company names at info.fsc.org) and a valid FSC claim (e.g., FSC 100%, FSC Mix [XX]%, FSC Mix Credit). Pricing can be blacked out. Vendors are defined as those companies that sell products to the project contractor or subcontractors.
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Communicate to contractors and subcontractors early and be sure they understand why using FSC is key to maximizing project value
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Begin researching product availability in the design phase; use standard (not custom) dimensions for wood materials specified
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Note some suppliers will sell in any quantity, whereas others may sell only in large quantities
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Can’t find what you need? Contact FSC US at info@us.fsc.org or FSC Canada at info@ca.fsc.org
