Why Choose FSC?

FSC® is the most rigorous forest certification system, working to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises by advancing sustainable forest management worldwide.

Without credible certification there is often no way to know if products have been sourced responsibly. The FSC standards are the global benchmark for sustainable forestry, providing the most credible validation of forest stewardship.

FSC certification enables businesses and consumers to choose wood, paper and other forest products made with materials that support responsible forestry.

Sourcing FSC-certified materials:

  • Reduces Scope 3 supply chain risk (deforestation, illegal sourcing)

  • Strengthens embodied carbon strategies by ensuring timber comes from responsibly managed, carbon-storing forests

  • Supports green building certifications (e.g. LEED/BREEAM), which require verified sustainable sourcing

  • Provides auditable evidence for ESG reporting and net zero claims

Sourcing FSC‑certified wood contributes to both UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net zero targets because it links verified responsible forest management with climate, biodiversity, and social outcomes across the supply chain.

“Using FSC-certified wood in our projects not only supports environmental sustainability but enhances our overall sustainability credentials. It sets a powerful message for other urban developments, showing that it's possible to build sustainably without compromising on quality or aesthetics.”

— Olivia Phillips, Director of Sustainability (Development and Construction), Canary Wharf Group

Indoor roof garden with a winding walking path, lush green plants, and trees under a geodesic glass and engineered timber ceiling.

Most Trusted

  • Backed by some of the largest environmental NGOs.

  • Extensive business reach and trusted by brands.

  • The FSC logo is the most recognized mark for responsible forestry.

Strongest Safeguards

  • FSC claims meet strict criteria.

  • Bad actors are excluded from the FSC system.

Proven Protections

  • Setting the bar for biodiversity protection in working forests.

  • Championing the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

  • Offering the strongest protections for workers.

  • A proven solution to help tackle the climate crisis.

72%

of people in the UK say they would have a more positive opinion of a housing or construction company if they knew they used FSC-certified wood.

FSC UK Consumer Survey 2025. 'Don't know' responses (4%) are not shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organisation that sets standards for responsible forest management, ensuring forests are managed in ways that protect biodiversity, communities and long-term productivity.

  • FSC certification is an independent system that verifies timber and forest products come from responsibly managed sources and are traceable throughout the supply chain.

    FSC offers Forest Management Certification, Chain of Custody Certification and Project Certification.

  • Certified timber supports commercial outcomes as well as environmental ones. It helps protect and enhance asset value, supports ESG performance, and strengthens your position with investors and tenants seeking high-quality, responsible developments.

  • FSC is widely recognised for its rigorous, globally consistent standards and independent verification, offering strong assurance on environmental, social and governance performance.

    Only FSC:

    • Is governed democratically by environmental, social and economic members, with equal voting weight for all chambers.

    • Is present in more than 90 countries around the world.

    • Has the strongest protections for Indigenous Peoples’ rights (requiring Free, Prior and Informed Consent).

    • Explicitly requires forest managers to protect or enhance High Conservation Values, setting a higher benchmark for biodiversity outcomes.

    • Has a policy for association, which keeps companies involved in serious environmental or human rights violations, even beyond their certified operations. out of the FSC system.

    • Is a code compliant member of ISEAL, the global association for sustainability standards.

  • Yes. Almost half of the UK’s forests are FSC certified, including all state forests and many privately-owned forests, also some local authority woodlands, community woods, and forests owned or managed by charities. 

    C16 and C24 are the two main strength classes of structural softwood timber available in the UK. C24 timber is often stocked, specified and recommended by default, but homegrown, C16 timber is suitable for use in many general construction applications. Over the past 5 years, 79-84% of softwood removals from UK forests have been certified (Forestry Statistics 2025 ), making is easy to specify FSC-certified, UK-grown, C16 timber.

  • Tropical forests are home to two-thirds of the world’s biodiversity, including thousands of different tropical tree species – and it’s our responsibility to preserve them. Responsibly sourcing FSC-certified tropical timbers, which can be both beautiful and durable, can help to provide a financial incentive to protect these precious forests. As a construction professional, you can support sustainable tropical timber by considering some of the incredible FSC-certified lesser-known timber species. 

  • 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.

    • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. FSC-certified products can support credits in schemes like LEED and BREEAM by demonstrating responsible sourcing and verified supply chains.

  • FSC certification audits are performed by independent, FSC-accredited Certification Bodies. You will need to implement systems and controls to meet the requirements of the relevant FSC standards.

  • Yes, buildings can be FSC certified under either under FSC Chain of Custody Certification or FSC Project Certification.

  • "With an ethical procurement policy already in place, FSC Chain of Custody certification felt like the logical next step. This helped to formalise supply chain partnerships, which in turn safeguard the long‑term availability of the high‑quality timber we rely on."

    — Merry Albright, Creative Director, Border Oak

  • "By maintaining a chain of custody, it means we have accountability and transparency across the supply chain, preventing illegal logging, advocating for sustainable forestry practices, and upholding the integrity of our products."

    — Megan Adlen, Sustainability Director, Travis Perkins

  • "When asked recently why we only use FSC certified timber and high-pressure laminate in the manufacture of Multipanel, my response was simple, because we care! Using sustainable materials may cost more, but they don't cost the earth."

    — John Mortimer, Managing Director, Grant Westfield