Wood for Good, the UK timber industry’s sustainability campaign has launched its 2012 campaign: “Wood First” that calls for the introduction of a “Wood First” rule in local authority planning guidance. Source: Confor
This would require sustainably sourced wood to be considered as the primary construction material in all new-build and refurbishment projects.
A similar rule is already in place in other parts of the world, most notably France, as a key element of climate policy.
Wood for Good says that several local authorities are already considering versions of the Wood First rule, including a major London borough.
“Increasing forest cover is recognised as one of the most effective weapons we have in the battle against climate change, and the best way to achieve this is to stimulate demand for sustainable timber and wood products. The introduction of a Wood First rule will help to make this happen,” said David Hopkins, head of external affairs for Wood for Good.
The Wood First campaign has strong support from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), the Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC UK) and Confederation of Forest Industries: promoting forestry and wood (CONFOR).
