SFI releases new sustainable forestry standard
Jeffrey Yoders -- Building Design & Construction, 1/19/2010 5:34:39 PM
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative has released a new standard. SFI 2010-2014 addresses climate change and bioenergy; strengthen unique SFI fiber sourcing requirements, which broaden the practice of sustainable forestry; complements SFI activities aimed at avoiding controversial or illegal offshore fiber sources, and embraces Lacey Act amendments to prevent illegal logging; and expands requirements for logger training and support for trained loggers and certified logger programs.
"The new standard was enriched by the views and expertise of many people, and offers a solid foundation as we build new partnerships and look for more ways to promote sustainable forest practices," Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of non-profit SFI Inc., said today.
The review process included two public comment periods and seven regional workshops, and was monitored by the External Review Panel, an independent team of external experts who offer diverse perspectives and expertise to the SFI program. "The review was truly a model of open, transparent, and responsible consideration of public input, scientific and economic factors, and conflicting demands," said panel chair Michael Goergen, executive vice-president of the Society of American Foresters. "The SFI program has grown and evolved over time, largely due to its willingness to work with individuals and groups who share its dedication to responsible forest management in North America."
The SFI 2010-2014 Standard supports a comprehensive, independent certification program that works with environmental, social and industry partners to promote responsible forest management in North America and responsible fiber sourcing worldwide. More than 180 million acres (73 million hectares) are certified to the SFI forest management standard in North America - making it the largest single standard in the world. SFI chain-of-custody certification tells buyers the percentage of certified fiber in a specific product. SFI fiber sourcing requirements promote responsible forest management on all suppliers' lands.
"SFI certification benefits our forests, our communities and our business," said Guy Gleysteen, senior vice president of production at Time Inc. "The standard was already one of the leading forest certification standards in the world, and the revisions reaffirm this leadership."
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