Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a force for good in the regulation and control of the world’s timber resources.
Concerned about the accelerating deforestation, environmental degradation and social exclusion, a diverse group of timber users, traders and representatives of various environmental and human rights organisations met in California in 1990 to tackle the issues.
The group highlighted the need for a system that could identify well managed forests as the sources of responsibly produced wood products.
These conversations led to the creation of the FSC.
Safeguarding The Environment
If you haven’t guessed it already, FSC timber is fundamentally better for the environment!
Many forest owners and managers become FSC certified to show that the administration of their forests is carried with protecting the environment at the forefront of their minds.
The FSC upholds a number of standards when assessing whether an organisation is involved in responsible forestry. They must adhere to all appropriate laws and international treaties, while also promoting the preservation and restoration of the forest.
For example, FSC prohibits the use of atrazine, a chemical directly linked to water pollution and wildlife birth defects.
This FSC’s work over the past 30 years has allowed it to achieve worldwide credibility. FSC is the only certification system supported by major international, national and local Aboriginal, Environmental and social groups.
Examples include the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Canada Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), as well as the Sierra Club of Canada.
Put simply, purchasing FSC doors means that you are directly supporting the cause to protect our planet!
We’re not saying that non-FSC certified doors are created by grinning warlords wearing necklaces made of human fingers, but they are not guaranteed to be involved in the upkeep of the planet’s forests and the wildlife that we want to thrive in them.
So please take the time to understand who you’re buying from and let your inner environmentalist out and pick FSC certified companies!
People Depend On Healthy Forests
Over 90% of the 1.2 billion people living in poverty around the world depend on forests for some part of their livelihoods.
Only the FSC balances the social impacts of logging with the environmental outcomes and economic values that well managed forests provide.
The FSC requires that companies that trade in timber engage with local community members and to protect the rights of the indigenous people, ensuring that every voice is heard throughout the certification and logging process.
Every key decision is open to public review and comment, and even includes non-members.
To put it bluntly, it’s transparent!
People working in the timber trade are also provided with training, safety equipment, sustainable salaries and the right to form or join trade unions.
Those higher up in these organisations are often obliged to also support the community in other ways, seen in the development of institutions such as schools and hospitals.
Thermal Insulation Keeps Those Energy Bills Down
Let’s talk about thermal insulation!
Thermal insulation is one of the most important aspects of a building material.
Poor thermal insulation can make it harder to keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
These problems always translate into higher energy bills, fundamentally subtracting from the sustainability efforts explained previously in this article.
Fortunately, the FSC suggests that wood works five times better than concrete as an insulator, ten times better than brick and 350 times better than steel.
Energy efficient homes with low energy bills can even add more value to your property and make it easier to sell!
In addition, installing FSC doors will put you in the majority. FSC themselves suggest that 55% of the UK public recognises their logo, with 72% fairly or very likely to give preference to FSC certified products.
At the end of the day, we’ve all got to do our part to help reduce our impact on the environment.
Sustainable And More Profitable Businesses
FSC certification can lead to higher sustainable revenues for your company, whatever type it falls under.
How, you ask?
The certification allows production businesses that rely on timber to enter new markets and gain a stronger and more diverse customer base. Retailers and suppliers, meanwhile, can strengthen their reputations by providing assurances about ethical and environmental product standards that create stronger links with customers and prospects.
FSC is a great brand benefit pure and simple; a tool that enhances credibility while expanding market possibilities.
Wood is Beautiful!
Looking past the environmental, social and economic benefits of using FSC certified products, wood is simply a beautiful material!
There’s little wonder wooden doors, cabinets, cupboards and flooring are so popular.
Many love the natural look of wood construction, with fresh-looking wooden interiors adding warmth and comfort to a household.
If your property is lacking warmth and texture, then FSC certified wood is definitely what you need.
Interested in environmentally friendly wooden doors that help save lives and reduce energy bills? Get in touch with Vigor Doors today on 01642 265 034 or info@vigordoors.com
