By: John Chittick

John Chittick — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:35:07 +0000

As a professional forester and lead environmental management system auditor, I could argue on environmental grounds that even some non-certified but local and legally produced wood products are superior to any certified product. Similarly, I could argue that certain FSC certified products are environmentally inferior to local non-certified products or to products certified to other standards. That USGBC has entered into a monopoly relationship with FSC is an indicator of the aggressiveness of the ENGOs behind the FSC organization. FSC has as much to do with geopolitics as it does with environmental integrity. All sustainable forest management certification standards are a product of a consensus, widely held opinion, or in the case of FSC, ENGO opinion on what constitutes “sustainable” forest management. That FSC is considered more stringent in “some” of its somewhat mercurial regional standards is no guarantee that its preference ensures an environmentally “superior” choice for all products labeled FSC. USGBC could develop some basic environmental procurement criteria that could consider certification along with other factors such as distance to usage, source commitment to land in forest use etc. A forest product from any reasonably sustainable forest management (legally administered by most or all North American jurisdictions) is “greener” than any other alternative building material and therefore USGBC’s intransigence on this issue calls its own legitimacy into question.

By: Jim Pigott, Jr

Jim Pigott, Jr — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 01:39:46 +0000

I spoke with one of the originators of USGBC who dropped out because it became all about the fees and one example is how FSC is the only certifier of the top four recognized. This is in violation of the Sherman Anti-trust act of 1980. Look it up. 10 years in prison with sustantial fines for violation like this. FSC is a small example. Many smaller companies can’t navigate the FSC Chain of custody and the high fees.
SFI, CSA, ATFS and PEFC are being harmed by this exclusive arrangement between USGBC and FSC.

Comments on: Industry Responds to New LEED Draft; Wood Certification and PVC Issues Elicit Feedback

By: John Chittick

By: Jim Pigott, Jr