Commercial Architects & Specifiers. 
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Home Owners, Residential Contractors & Cabinet Shops. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes responsible stewardship of the world’s forests. The FSC permits accredited, independent third party organizations to grant FSC certification to forest managers and forest-product producers. In order to receive FSC certification, forest managers and forest-product producers must meet FSC standards which support and reinforce social, environmental, and industrial interests. FSC certifiable forest management must maintain the biodiversity of the forest, sustain and reinforce long term benefits of natural resources, and protect potentially effected ecosystems.
Benefits provided by the FSC include:
- International recognition for forest management efforts to protect native inhabitants
- Assurance that future generations will enjoy the benefits of forests
- Assurance that all wildlife is protected
- Assurance that land ownership and workers’ rights are respected
- Assurance that wood harvesting is legal
- Market recognition of the FSC trademark
- Interaction among forest owners and environmental organizations
Chain of Custody (COC) Certification is the portion of the FSC that includes distributors, building supply stores, cabinet makers, millworkers, furniture builders, and contractors. COC certification sets guidelines for this industry, in buying, storing, remanufacturing, and selling FSC certified products ensuring their credibility.
The FSC is the only internationally recognized (145 countries), standard-setting organization in forest management. The FSC is unique in its dedication to social, environmental, and industrial interests through its standards for responsible forest stewardship. The system requires annual controls of each forest management operation and:
- Prohibits the use of hazardous pesticides
- Prohibits cultivation of genetically modified trees
- Avoids illegally harvested wood that is in violation of traditional and civil rights; from conservation areas; from the conversion of natural forests or from genetically altered trees.
For more information on any of the topics covered in this brochure, contact Metro Hardwoods. Metro Hardwoods is FSC COC certified and looks forward to helping support your GREEN building needs.