Multiple certification programs for forest products lead to greener construction

Many builders in Minnesota who use wood in construction projects often favor lumber harvested in a responsible manner.  A growing number of their customers appreciate and favor “green” features and energy efficient homes.  One essential tool that improves the durability of this lumber and keeps it renewable is forest certification. Legislators at all levels of government should embrace certification, as it leads to a larger amount of sustainable materials in our homes and workplaces.

Businesses that partner with the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification programs must meet specific requirements to obtain formal recognition, or “certification.”  These systems set unique benchmarks to verify a company’s commitment to conservation and responsible supply chains.   Certification leads to positive outcomes:  it increase the amount of sustainable materials in building markets and allows businesses to gain access to environmentally conscious customers looking for reassurance when they are looking to buy “green” products.

Whether ATFS, FSC, or SFI certification is best for a business or a consumer depends on their size, budget and needs.  Builders, foresters, suppliers and consumers benefit from competitive markets where ATFS, FSC and SFI products are equally recognized and allow for greater choice for buyers. 

This unfortunately does not always happen.  Some misguided regulations, seeking to promote “green building,” often favor the use of FSC-certified wood while not recognizing wood certified by ATFS or SFI.  This can make contract bidding less competitive, leading to lower-quality construction than would be the case in a more competitive market.

This is a loss for both sustainability and developers committed to smart growth.   Many businesses may not be able to afford FSC certification and decide not to get certified at all.  Why would a tree farmer, forester or builder meet the standards of ATFS and SFI if their certified products will not be recognized by or allowed into taxpayer-funded construction projects?  Clearly, wood certified by ATFS or SFI is of better quality than lumber not certified at all.   Policies should make it easier for this timber to be used in developments, not unnecessarily hard. 

Minnesota’s ample natural resources, combined with its historic commitment to conservation, are ideally suited to make the state a driver of policies that promote sustainable growth in an inclusive manner.   Promoting a level playing field in certification markets will yield better economic outcomes for our local and state-based businesses while at the same time improving sustainability in our buildings.