Contractors
Contractors and sub-contractors are where strategy becomes reality. You turn design intent into built outcomes and your procurement decisions directly determine whether sustainability commitments are delivered on site. Without contractor engagement, responsible sourcing remains theoretical. With it, projects can deliver credible, verifiable sustainability outcomes.
Timber is playing an increasingly important role in low-carbon construction, yet clients are no longer satisfied with general sustainability claims. They are asking for proof. Credible certification can provide that proof, enabling contractors to demonstrate clearly that materials meet robust environmental and social standards, while also strengthening the sustainability credentials of the overall project.
For contractors, this means clearer communication with clients, reduced uncertainty around sourcing, and greater confidence in the claims made about the materials used. Putting it into practice requires sourcing timber from verified suppliers, maintaining traceability through clear documentation, and ensuring that materials meet both project requirements and certification standards.
FSC® Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council runs the world’s leading forest certification system and works to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises by advancing sustainable forest management worldwide.
FSC-certified timber is available across a wide and growing range of construction applications, from large structural elements to interior finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Costs can vary depending on availability and procurement approach. However, consistent demand helps stabilise supply and pricing over time. Many developers offset potential cost differences through increased asset value, improved marketability, and stronger ESG performance.
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Proper specification is critical. Vague references to ‘sustainable’ or ‘certified’ wood lack clarity and can be open to interpretation. Specify “FSC-certified timber (Chain of Custody certified)” and require suppliers to confirm valid FSC claims and their certification number at procurement stage.
NOTE: Make sure you ask suppliers to include an FSC claim in their sales documents and check for the claim(s) on the invoices and delivery notes you receive. Checking FSC certificates is insufficient - they demonstrate that an organisation is certified but not whether this covers the products they have supplied to you.
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FSC 100% – from FSC-certified forests
FSC Mix – from FSC-certified, recycled and/or controlled sources
FSC Recycled – from recycled material
Note: Some products may only be available with one of the selected claims.
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All FSC Certificate Holders will have a unique FSC certificate code (e.g. XX-COC-123456) and are listed in the public FSC Certificate Database.
Some contractors may instead opt for FSC Project Certification - you could request this for your project.
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Yes. FSC-certified products can support credits in schemes like LEED and BREEAM by demonstrating responsible sourcing and verified supply chains.
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Availability can vary by products, species and region, so early engagement with certified suppliers is key to maintaining specification compliance.
Note: Where possible, allow some flexibility in specification e.g. by specifying timber performance and characteristics rather than specific species.
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Yes, buildings can be FSC certified under either under FSC Chain of Custody Certification or FSC Project Certification.
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Responsible sourcing does introduce additional documentation and coordination, but it also simplifies how sustainability is evidenced and reported. Certification provides clear, standardised claims and verification, which can reduce uncertainty and streamline communication with clients. At a business level, it also helps position you for higher-value projects where sustainability is a requirement.
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Certified timber reduces sourcing risk by providing independent verification of legality and responsible management. It also creates a clear audit trail, which protects contractors from reputational and compliance risks linked to unclear or unverified sourcing claims.
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Contractors who can confidently deliver certified timber are better placed to meet client specifications and ESG expectations. This strengthens your position in tenders and helps demonstrate added value beyond cost and programme delivery.
