On July 27, 2007, Lanark Cedar obtained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)(SW-COC-002522) certification from SmartWood, a program of the Rainforest Alliance. This certification recognizes Lanark Cedar supply chain as environmentally responsible. FSC products are certified as coming from forests that are managed in an eco-responsible manner.
"FSC is one of the most valuable tools we have for improving forest practices and protecting Canada's natural forests […]." Anne Levesque, National Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)
Based on 10 international principles, local FSC standards are developed for individual regions. The standards ensure that environmental, community, worker and industry needs are balanced, and that long-term forest management plans are implemented.
On the ground this means real benefits:
- Waterways are protected;
- Wildlife habitat and species are protected;
- High conservation value forests are preserved;
- Forest management practices are monitored annually;
- Genetically modified trees are not used;
- Pesticide use is reduced;
- Local people are involved in forest management;
- The rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
"FSC has the highest environmental standard for forest management of any certification system in the world." Monte Hummel, President, World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Chain of custody certification provides a guarantee about the production of FSC-certified products and is the path taken by raw materials from the forest to the consumer. Our FSC-certified products can be used towards achieving LEED credits. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program was established by the United States Green Building Council (USGBBC) to promote environmentally friendly whole building design and construction practices.
When buying a Lanark Cedar product, you can be sure that you are supporting a company fully committed to keeping our forests safe and sound.
For more information please visit http://www.fsccanada.org/whoweare.htm.