Sustainable timber site launched

A website has been launched to offer guidance on procuring sustainably sourced timber, aimed at government and companies supplying government. The Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement will be maintained by ProForest.

The site contains advice on issues such as how to specify legal and sustainable timber and under what criteria evidence should be assessed. Other areas of information include training workshops, assessing forest certification schemes and a telephone helpline.

"The new CPET website will help promote legal and sustainable timber to customers and markets both in the UK and overseas. Through CPET the Government is delivering its promise to help buyers and suppliers implement responsible timber purchasing policies and I urge them to use the services on offer from CPET,” commented Elliot Morley, Environment Minister.

"The UK is the first major government that has taken firm steps to ensure central government departments buy timber that is verifiably legal. This is a success and has been the single most important driver of change of behaviour in the UK private sector and the rapid expansion of the market for certified timber."