Why do we only use certified sources of timber?

Using certified sources of timber is important because it helps to ensure that the wood used in construction is sustainably harvested, and that the rights of local communities and workers are respected.

1. Sustainability: Timber certification programs, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certify that the wood used in our buildings comes from well-managed forests. This ensures that the wood is harvested in a way that is sustainable and does not contribute to deforestation or habitat destruction.
2. Legal compliance: Timber certification programmes also ensure that the wood used in our buildings has been legally harvested and that the rights of local communities and workers have been respected. This helps to ensure that the wood was not obtained through illegal logging or other illegal activities.
3. Environmental protection: Certified sources of timber also promote the protection of biodiversity, and reduces carbon emissions through sustainable forest management.
4. Social responsibility: By using certified sources of timber, it can help to support local communities and workers by promoting fair labor practices and providing economic benefits to the local areas where the wood is harvested.

As well as only using certified sources of timber, since the start of the war in Ukraine we have also decided not to purchase any Russian timber from our suppliers and partners. This has narrowed our lines of suppliers forcing our prices to rise. We feel this is a small price for our support and solidarity for the Ukrainian people, who are making a heroic stand.