Timber is used across a wide range of structural, interior and external building applications. Specifying products supplied with valid PEFC claims enables architects, contractors and developers to demonstrate the responsible sourcing of the forest-based materials used within their projects.
PEFC Forest Management certification assesses forests against environmental, social and economic requirements. PEFC Chain of Custody certification requires businesses to have systems in place to identify and track certified material through the supply chain.
To understand where this timber comes from and how UK forests are managed sustainably, read The State of UK Forests: A Comprehensive Overview
Why Specify PEFC-Certified Timber?
PEFC certification can support construction projects by providing:
- Verified sourcing: PEFC-certified forests are independently audited against applicable forest management standards.
- Supply-chain traceability: Chain of Custody certification enables certified material to be identified and tracked as it passes between certified organisations.
- Procurement evidence: PEFC claims and certification records can support responsible sourcing policies, tender requirements and project reporting.
- Support for building assessment schemes: Eligible PEFC-certified products may contribute towards applicable credits under building assessment schemes such as BREEAM and LEED. Eligibility and the number of available credits depend on the relevant scheme, version and project requirements.
- A versatile material choice: Timber can be used for structural systems, façades, interiors, joinery and many other building applications.
Timber and Whole-Life Carbon
Timber contains biogenic carbon absorbed by trees during growth and can continue to store that carbon while it remains in use.
This does not mean that every timber product or building automatically has a lower carbon footprint. Whole-life carbon performance depends on factors including forest management, manufacturing, transport, material efficiency, building design, service life, maintenance and end-of-life treatment.
Carbon claims should therefore be based on appropriate product data and whole-life carbon assessment at product or project level.
PEFC Project Sourcing Certification
PEFC Project Sourcing Certification applies Chain of Custody principles to the timber and forest-based materials included within a defined project scope.
It provides a management system through which developers, contractors and project teams can demonstrate that material within that scope has been sourced from PEFC-certified, recycled or PEFC-controlled sources. This is supported by an independently audited procurement procedure.
Under PEFC ST 2102:2026, at least 70% of the timber within the defined project scope must comprise certified material, alongside requirements for individual installed components. Full requirements should be checked against the current PEFC Project Sourcing Certification Standard.
Project Sourcing Certification verifies the sourcing and traceability of material within the defined scope. It does not certify the overall sustainability, carbon performance or complete environmental impact of the building. The benefits of using PEFC project certification include the following:
- Demonstrate responsible sourcing: Provide independently audited evidence covering timber procurement within the defined project scope.
- Improve traceability: Establish clear procedures for recording and verifying timber and forest-based materials used on the project.
- Support collaboration: Give project teams, suppliers and contractors a common framework for meeting sourcing requirements.
- Communicate accurately: Make clear and verifiable claims about certified material used within the project.
Learn more with our CPD Sessions
PEFC UK offers CPD-accredited online sessions for construction professionals seeking to improve their understanding of timber sourcing, carbon assessment and circular design.
Our current CPDs include:
Responsible Timber Sourcing
Learn how to specify certified timber and understand how PEFC-certified products may be recognised within procurement policies and building assessment schemes.
Timber and the Circular Economy
Understand how adaptability, maintenance, reuse and material recovery can support more circular approaches to timber construction.
Timber and Carbon
How timber-related carbon impacts are assessed, including the use of Environmental Product Declarations and whole-life carbon assessment.
Homegrown Timber
Looks at the opportunities and practical considerations associated with specifying UK-grown timber.
