| News and Media Releases |
AFS Annual General Meeting
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November 2012 |
The Annual General Meeting of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd was held on Thursday 25 October 2012 in Melbourne. AFS Ltd thanked retiring Directors Mr Ian Tyson, Mr Malcolm Tonkin, Ms Jodie Mason and Mr Wayne Hammond for their service and valuable contribution to AFS Ltd.
Mr Colin Fitzpatrick, Ms Erica Hansen and Mr David West were appointed as Directors representing the Forest and Wood Products Sector Members and Ms Alison Carmichael was appointed as a Director representing the General Members.
National Secretary, Richard Stanton, presented a brief overview of a year of consolidation for AFS Ltd as summarised in the Annual Review of Activities for 2011-2012.
The Annual General Meeting also agreed to amend the AFS Ltd Constitution to revise the current membership structure by creating five membership categories:
- Forest Grower Members, persons substantively engaged in the primary production of forest products
- Primary Processors Members, persons substantively engaged in the primary processing of forest primary produce
- Supply Chain Members, persons substantively engaged in the secondary processing of forest primary produce or in any subsequent part of the supply chain of wood and paper products
- Employee Representative Organisation Members, persons representing the interests of workers in the forestry and forest products industry; and
- Community, Social and Environment Members, persons representing the interests of the community at large with respect to forestry and the forest products industry.
Under transitional arrangements the current Board will continue until the AGM in 2013 when each membership category will nominate one Director to the Board, except for Forest Growers who will nominate two. There is also provision for the appointment of up to three independent directors. The new categories more appropriately represent the nature and interests of AFS Ltd members. Membership is open to any individual or organisation that supports the Objects of the Company.
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Australian Sustainable Forest Certification Scheme Seminars
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October 2012 |
Australian Forestry Standard Ltd (AFS Ltd) recently hosted two Australian Sustainable Forest Certification Scheme Information Seminars in Brisbane on Thursday 18 October and in Melbourne on 25 October in conjunction with the AFS Ltd Annual General Meeting.
The seminars provided participants with a general introduction to forest management and chain of custody certification and an update on Australian Forestry Standard Ltd's progress and strategic direction, including a summary of the review processes for AS4707 and AS4708. The seminars explained the benefits of forest certification and how the system works; how forest certification fits with BGCA Green Star, Government and company procurement policies and illegal logging legislation; and how to apply for certification and how to maximise the benefits once certified.
The presentations used at the seminar and the AFS Ltd Annual Review of Activities for 2011-12 can be downnloaded below.
Download Queensland Seminar Presentation
Download AFS Ltd Annual Review 2011-12
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DRAFT STANDARD AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
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August 2012 |
Revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management.
Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFS Ltd) announces the commencement of the second public comment phase of the revision process of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708).
The Standard Review Committee appointed by AFS Ltd to review the Australian Standard AS4708 has released a draft for public comment. The draft revised Standard has been sent to the broad range of stakeholders in forest management seeking their comments. The Australian Standard AS4708-2007 is five years old and is due for its periodic review. The Committee is seeking public comment on the draft standard via two public comment periods. The second public comment period is from 20th August 2012 to 1 October 2012.
Download Stakeholder Feedback Form.
Download DR AS 4708
Click here for more information.
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AFS Ltd Responds to ABC Report
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August 2012 |
The Australian Forestry Standard was referenced in a segment on the ABC’s 7.30 Report on Tuesday 31st July 2012.
The AFS Ltd Chairman has written to the ABC to address the misrepresentations of the Australian Forestry Standard that occurred in the story.
The letter is available as a link HERE.
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PEFC International-Australian Certification Roadshow June 12th - 21st
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May 2012 |
Mr Ben Gunneberg, Secretary General, PEFC International will be presenting at 6 events across Australia in June.
PEFC International Roadshow seminars are being held in the following cities, click on titles for more information on these events:
SYDNEY, Tues 12th June, PEFC Certification Seminar for Pulp, Paper, Packaging & Printers
PERTH, Wed 13th June, PEFC Certification Seminar for Architects, Developers, Builders & the Timber industry
ADELAIDE, Thurs 14th June PEFC Certification Seminar for Architects, Developers, Builders & the Timber industry
HOBART, Fri 15th June, PEFC Certification Seminar for Forests and the Timber industry
MELBOURNE, Tues 19th June, PEFC Certification Seminar for Pulp, Paper, Packaging & Printers
SYDNEY, Thurs 21st June, PEFC Certification Seminar for Architects, Developers, Builders & the Timber industry
For further information contact the Event Organiser: Kayt Watts, Ingenue Consultancy Pty Ltd, Mobile: 0400 140 303 or
Email: PEFC-Events@ingenue.net.au
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Draft Standard Available for Public Comment
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March 2012 |
Revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management
Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFS Ltd) announces the commencement of the first public comment phase of the revision process of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708).
The Standard Review Committee appointed by AFS Ltd to review the Australian Standard AS4708 has released a draft for public comment. The draft revised Standard has been sent to the broad range of stakeholders in forest management seeking their comments. The Australian Standard AS4708-2007 is five years old and is due for its periodic review. The Committee is seeking public comment on the draft standard via two public comment periods. The first public comment period is from 19 March 2012 to 18 May 2012. The second public comment period will be based on a revised draft and is currently scheduled to be undertaken from June to August 2012.
Read media release here.
For more information. |
AFS seeks social and environmental expert
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March 2012 |
Call for Nominations for Independent Directorship
The Board has elected to include Independent Directors who bring to the Board additional expertise in environmental and social aspects of forest management and the supply of forest products.
For more information. |
PEFC Publishes Results of Complaint against APP
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August 2011 |
In a report published in July 2010, Greenpeace provided information that APP,
which had obtained PEFC Chain of Custody certification, was utilizing material from illegal sources, which would constitute a stark violation of certification requirements. Based on the information, PEFC immediately filed a formal complaint against APP with SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd. - Qualifor Programme, the relevantcertification body in this case.
In response to this complaint, SGS commissioned an investigation to examine whether APP was using illegal material as input into APP mills certified against the PEFC Chain of Custody standard as claimed by Greenpeace. The investigation found that all material was legal.
The results were reported back to Greenpeace once they were received. There has been a delay in publishing the results to allow for follow-up discussions with Greenpeace and for further evidence to be submitted. As no further evidence has been forthcoming, PEFC is publishing the results as previously indicated.
Links to Additional information
SGS response to the complaint
PEFC statement to the accusations made in the Greenpeace report "How Sinar Mas is Pulping the Planet"
Related information - On the Ground 2011 – The Controversy of Greenpeace
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Conservation's Dirty Secrets
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August 2011 |
Reporter Oliver Steeds investigates the conservation movement
and its major organisations. Steeds finds that the movement, far from stemming the tide of extinction that's engulfing the planet, has got some of its conservation priorities wrong. The documentary examines the way the big conservation charities are run. It questions why some work with polluting big businesses to raise money and are alienating the very people they would need to stem the loss of species from earth.
Conservation is massively important but few dare to question the movement. Some critics argue that it is in part getting it wrong, and that, as a consequence, some of the flora and fauna it seeks to save are facing oblivion
Additional information
Go to SBS website to view video report
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PEFC Condemns Death of Endangered Sumatran Tiger
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UPDATE 15 August 2011 |
SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the respective certification body, has informed us that "we have taken up the issue with APP and they have confirmed that the death of this tiger was caused by local villagers that set an illegal trap. The matter is now being dealt with by the local police. APP and their pulp suppliers have systems in place to monitor and control such illegal activities, but it is obviously impossible for them to prevent this from happening at all. They also have programmes in place that seek to educate the local communities on the importance of preserving wildlife and they will be intensifying these efforts within the area where this incident took place".
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 130kb]
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Australia to Benefit from PEFC Global Expansion
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Media Release July 2011 |
PEFC Secretary General Ben Gunneberg spent a week in Australia in July to update a wide range of stakeholders about recent significant developments in PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), the world's largest forest certification system. The Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) has achieved PEFC-endorsement.
"PEFC is reaching a crucial tipping point, both in terms of standards development as well as in for sustainable forest management and chain of custody certification", said Mr. Gunneberg prior his visit to Australia. "With the recently approved revised standards, PEFC has introduced a number of unique criteria specifically focussed on advancing social aspects in forest certification. PEFC International's Sustainability Benchmarks are now world-leading, and perfectly placed to expand forest certification specifically in regions such as Asia, Africa and South America, which still make up less than 10% of the total global certified area.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 130kb]
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CONSUMER TO SOURCE: SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
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AFSL Article June 2011 |
Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard (AS 4707) for wood and wood products provide the tool that supports the commitment to sustainable forest management, however, 'A chain is only as strong as its weakest link'. This old adage is true to the forest industry in Australia and around the world, especially today as consumers and professionals, such as architects and builders, are becoming better informed and more concerned about the environmental source of the goods they specify and use.
"CoC certification and the associated labelling claims is the only way to effectively trace a product back to its raw source," says Kayt Watts, the CEO of Australian Forestry Standards Limited (AFSL).
"Without Standards, everything else is self-declaration and provides the end consumer with no proof on whether illegal or controversial timber products were bought into the mix.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 113kb]
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TAKING THE STEP TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT
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Award Magazine-AFSL Article Article May 2011 |
Do you ever look at your dining table and wonder where it came from? What about your box of tissues, your timber floorboards or child's toy train?
Environmentally aware consumers are increasingly asking more questions about the origins of their timber and paper products – where have they come from and how have they come to be what they are now?
But how do you find out where timber and paper products have come from?
The answer is threefold - ask your supplier questions about where the timber has come from, look for certification symbols and if in doubt buy Australian.
Timber production in Australia is subject to world-class regulation that consumers can trust.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 113kb]
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Single Voice for Australia's Forest and Paper Industry
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Media Release March 2011 |
Australia's two peak forest product industry bodies (A3P and NAFI) announced they will recommend to their members that the groups merge to form a single industry association for the forest, wood, pulp and paper sectors.
The "Australian Forest Products Association" (AFPA) name and logo were unveiled at an industry dinner at the Great Hall of Parliament House, Canberra, on Monday 21 March, in front of almost 300 guests representing all facets of the industry, MPs and government representatives. AFPA will be formed through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI)Linda Sewell, Chairperson of A3P and Transitional Chair of AFPA, was proud to make the announcement.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 192kb]
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Australian Government takes strong action on illegal timber imports - AFSL Discussion Paper
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AFSL Discussion Paper February 2011 |
The Australian Government will introduce legislation that will restrict illegally logged timber imports and require timber suppliers to undertake a process of due diligence by verifying the legal origins of timber products and disclosing species, country of harvest and any certification at the first point of entry of timber products onto the Australian market.
In Australia, around 10 per cent of sawn wood imports are estimated to come from Brack's 'high risk' countries (notably Indonesia and Malaysia). The value of those imports in 2007–08 was $74 million (ABARE 2009). According to Jaakko Poyry (2005), around 9 percent of Australian imports of forest products and wooden furniture are considered illegal. Those imports were valued to be around $452 million.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 136kb]
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Forestry Certification-Sustainability Governance and Risk (2011) - ITS Global
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Independant Report February 2011 |
An independant report on PEFC and FSC – Similarities and Fundamental Differences
?Forest certification? is a system of voluntary standards and conformance used to demonstrate the practice of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
Standards typically require procedures which minimize environmental damage from tree felling and, depending on the species and forest type, limits on the amount and nature of trees that may be felled. It can include obligations to reforest. Standards also outline social and economic requirements that ensure forests are managed in a =responsible' manner.
In general the concept of sustainable forestry means harvesting timber in such a way that it can be utilized as a renewable resource while maintaining forests health and characteristics such as biodiversity. There are two globally dominant certification systems for SFM: the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC).
The United Nations estimates that 355 million hectares of forests has been certified globally, approximately nine per cent of the total global forest area.1 PEFC certification covers 230 million hectares. FSC certifies around 135 million hectares.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 1314kb]
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Campaign targeting Reflex paper will lead to
depletion of world's most vulnerable forests
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Media Release February 2011 |
The latest attempt at economic sabotage by the Wilderness Society to stop companies using
Australian made Reflex paper has highlighted that commonsense has been thrown by the way side
in the race to abolish Australian wood production from sustainably managed native forests. It has
emerged that the Wilderness Society is targeting Australian Paper (AP) under the cover of the Trade
Practices Act, because AP uses native forest sourced timber in its paper making process at Maryvale
in Gippsland, Victoria.
President of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA), Dr Peter Volker commented that 'the
Wilderness Society is using tactics known as "eco- bullying" to target AP customers, the retailers of
Reflex photocopy paper to stop purchasing and reselling the product. We have seen similar attacks
targeting Bunnings hardware stores and international buyers of Tasmanian forest products,
particularly in Japan.
Additional information
More Information...click here [pdf 354kb]
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Revision of the Australian Standards for Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody
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Announcement September 10 |
The Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFSL) announces the commencement of the 5-yearly revision process of the Australian Standards for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody of wood and wood products (AS 4707).
The revision will be a concentrated and collaborative process spanning 2 years. The intensive public participation plan for the project will fully engage all stakeholders groups and interested parties within and connected to sustainable forestry
and the supply chain of wood and wood products. Couple this with rigorous adherence to international processes and guidelines, as well as an emphasis on science and evidence, this review project will ensure that these internationally recognised
Australian Standards continue to be regarded as the most credible and robust forest certification tools.
More Information...click here [pdf 105kb]
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CoC is nothing more than SOP
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Article September 10 |
Two merchants find certification an easy task
TWO Queensland timber merchants who have converted to chain of custody certification want to send a clear message to the wood supply trade: the system is simply SOP – standard operating procedure.
“Not now, but soon, merchants will face an increasing demand for certified wood; already we are quoting ahead on commercial contracts that specify chain of custody,” says Peter Watt of Watts Wood and Mouldings Pty Ltd at Salisbury, a Brisbane southside suburb.
More Information...click here [pdf 113kb]
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Global Pressure Mounts for US Green Building Council...
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Media Release July 10 |
Forest Certification Standards From Around The World Weigh In As Global Pressure Mounts for US Green Building Council to Accept Multiple
Forest Certification Programs. Forest certification standards from twelve nations have called on the USGBC to end its discrimination against wood and accept all credible sustainable forest certification
standards. The certification programs pointed out that wood is one of the best environmental choices for construction the best environmental choices for construction, as
long as it is from a responsible source – and that fibre certified to the 26 national forest certification programs recognized by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC) meets this demand.
More Information...click here [pdf 159kb]
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CERTIFIED SANFERMIN FESTIVAL - PEFC Spain
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Media Release June 10 |
For the first time in history, the wood used for the fence that will be installed during the next few days along the route of the running of the bulls of the San Fermin Festival comes from sustainably managed forests that have been certified by the PEFC.
Pinewood planks from the Roncal Valley will be installed along one hundred meters of the route. The boards have been prepared at the Hermanos Aldaz carpenter’s mill that is also PEFC Chain of Custody certified and located in the town of Puente la Reina. The wood has been manufactured
protecting the ecological values of the forest where it has grown and ensuring that the seeds of the cut trees will also reforest the woodlands naturally.
More Information...click here [pdf 23kb]
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Forest Certification in Tasmania, Dr Hans Drielsma, Forestry Tasmania
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Paper June 10 |
The recent downturn in Japanese sales of Tasmanian pulpwood has brought many new challenges for forest managers and processors, not the least of which has been forest certification and its influence on how products are marketed.
The majority of Tasmania’s production forests are certified to the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS), including all forests managed by Forestry Tasmania, Gunns, Timberlands and Norske Skog. This reflects the position in Australia
generally, where close to 10 million hectares are AFS certified, encompassing virtually all of the public State forest estates, and a large part of the private corporate estate. In fact, more than 90 percent of Australia’s timber production capacity is AFS certified.
More Information...click here [pdf 26kb]
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LONG DERSERVED RECOGNITION OF AN AUSTRALIAN STANDARD IN SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT BY GBCA
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Media Release November 2009 |
The Green Building Council today has finalised the highly controversial issue that has been in debate for over three years. The recognition of the Australian Forest Certification Scheme that is underpinned by two Australian Standards for forestry and chain of custody of wood and wood products, AS 4708 and AS 4707
The AFSL greatly appreciates the initiative taken by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council and the Minister of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, following the demands from industry stakeholders and the CFMEU to review the release of the first draft of the GBCA MAT-8 Timber criteria assessment framework, that was restrictive and prescriptive and help bring on this positive outcome.
More Information...click here [pdf 140kb]
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Green Building Council releases revised Timber credit
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Media Release November 2009 |
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has announced the release of a revised Green Star Timber credit effective January 1, 2010, which allows for equal consideration of Australian forestry schemes.
The announcement, part of the ongoing Green Star Materials review, follows a detailed review of the GBCA's Timber credit, conducted by an independent Timber Expert Reference Panel.
With the revised Timber credit, all forestry schemes will need to satisfy five 'Essential' criteria to be eligible. This will provide one Green Star point to timber certified by any scheme which applies for and can meet these criteria.
More Information...click here [pdf 51kb]
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Timber Design Awards - Announce 2009 Winners
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Announcement November 2009 |
The 2009 Australian Timber Design Awards grand prize has been awarded to Brian Hooper Architect & m3architecture (architects in association) for the Tree of Knowledge Memorial in Barcaldine, Queensland.
The Ausralian Forestry Standards was a Silver Sponsor of the Timber Design Awards in 2009 - Sponsor of the Best Use of Australian Certified Timber Award (Regional and National)
All forest certification is good as the first step towards a sustainable environment.
We congratulate Brian Hooper Architect & m3architecture (architects in association) for the Tree of Knowledge Memorial and their use of certified timber.
Congratulations to all the winners on their excellent use of timber – when thinking timber think certified and when thinking certified think home grown and produced.
Go to TDA website to see a list of all the winners and runner-ups...click here
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ABC - Greenwash - Article by Mark Poynter
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ABC online November 2009 |
Reportedly, an increasing proportion of Australians are not convinced that human activities are solely responsible for global warming....
While this is generally assumed to reflect the increased airing of contrary views by climate change sceptics, it may also reflect increasing cynicism about rhetorical messages of catastrophe that flow all-too freely from 'green' activists campaigning on many fronts.
For several decades, activists have raised community awareness of environmental issues by maximising the exposure of short, media-friendly grabs that are overly simplistic and largely fact-free. Nevertheless, their success in many areas suggests that this approach resonates well with the majority who don't think too deeply about environmental issues.
Go to ABC website...click here
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Green Timber Woes - The AGE - National Times online
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The AGE November 2009 |
The independant Green Building Council is facing unprecented pressure...
from State and Federal Governments to change its environmental standards for sustainable timber.
A small story ran about the issue in the Sydney Morning Herald last week, and another in The Age this morning, but Greenlines thought it worthwhile to flesh out some of the broader issue. The Green Building Council (GBC), is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation backed by a range of organisations paying membership fees.
Its main connection to Government is through the voluntary green-star program. Some government departments at the state and federal level also use the Council’s code as a guide. Others, like the Federal Environment Department, are members of the Council and pay membership fees.
Go to The AGE website...click here
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CALL FOR RECOGNITION OF AUSTRALIA'S SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY PRACTICES -Tony Burke, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
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Media Release November 2009 |
State, territory and federal governments yesterday called on the Green Building Council of Australia to recognise sustainable forestry practices in the domestic industry.
State, territory and federal governments yesterday called on the Green Building Council of Australia to recognise sustainable forestry practices in the domestic industry.
The issue was discussed during yesterday’s Primary Industries Ministerial Council in Perth.
It has been a headline issue at both the recent Forest and Wood Products Council meeting and the Forest Industry Leaders Ministerial Roundtable.
The Green Building Council of Australia oversees the green building credit rating system a voluntary system which rates the environmental design and construction of buildings.
More Information...click here[pdf 121kb]
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World's Best Buildings and GBCA under strain... Architecture & Design
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Articles November 2009 |
Australian projects among world’s best buildings
Three Australian projects have taken out some of the most prestigious prizes at the World Architecture Awards in Barcelona.
Klein Bottle House on the Mornington Peninsula, by Charles McBride Ryan, took the World’s Best Home award. Article by BY GEMMA BATTENBOUGH
GBCA under strain over timber code
THE INDEPENDENT Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is under strain from state and federal governments to adopt a union-backed sustainable timber code.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is pressuring ministers to urge the GBCA to adopt industry-led timber standards.Article by BY GEMMA BATTENBOUGH
These articles is courtesy of Architecture & Design Magazine (www.architectureanddesign.com.au).
For full article...click here [pdf 133kb]
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CFMEU...Take action against GBCA
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Media Release November 2009 |
Natural Resources Ministerial Council meeting must act on jobs destroying, unscientific Green Building Council
CFMEU Forestry and Furnishing Products Division National Secretary Michael O’Connor has called on today’s meeting of the Natural Resources Ministerial Council to take action against the Green
Building Council and its refusal to accredit domestic sustainable timber products for its six star green building credit rating.
The union is planning to make it an important election issue in regional seats in upcoming state elections if state ministers don’t defend local jobs.
More Information...click here [pdf 93kb]
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In The Balance - article courtesy of In-wood Magazine
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Article October 2009 |
Zany Rating System Puts Spoke In The Wood Works
The Green Star rating process created and implemented by the self-styled international arbiter of sustainable construction, the Green Building Council, seems to confirm the view of German philosopher Friedrich
Nietzsche that, “In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs it is the rule.” Peter Harington’s report on the New Zealand situation adds weight to the notion.
The Green Star building concept was founded in America and worked reasonably well in local conditions. But when imposed almost unchanged on the Australian building industry
it was an instantly bad fit – not least because it specified only FSC-accredited timber, which is still virtually unprocurable there.
Reproduction of this article is courtesy of In-Wood magazine (www.inwoodmag.com) and restricted to this website.
For full article...click here [pdf 207kb]
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Standards in Turmoil - article courtesy of In-wood Magazine
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Article October 2009 |
Restructuring of Standards Australia has thrown the timber industry into a spin, and the preservations sector appears to be particularly affected,
writes Arch Wood Protection executive Peter Carruthers.
The major problem arises from the reinvention of Standards Australia under a new ‘business model’ – essentially with a strong focus on cost recovery, and being a for-profit entity rather than an under-funded industry service.
Now, if you want the organisation to develop a Standard for your industry or product category, you (collectively) will have to pay the full cost. No more free riders; no more unaccounted benefits; no more unfunded committee efforts – no pay… no Standard!
Reproduction of this article is courtesy of In-Wood magazine (www.inwoodmag.com) and restricted to this website.
For full article...click here [pdf 122kb]
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CANOPY - A3P weekly newsletter
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Newsletter September 2009 |
The Procurement of Wood and Paper Products from Sustainable Sources - news story in Issue 153
A3P is encouraged by advice from State Governments indicating their support for the procurement of wood and paper products from sustainable sources. In May 2009 the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) agreed that Victoria
would provide a report to the Council on its proposal to require government endorsed procurement and sustainability guides for wood and paper products to recognise the Forest Stewardship Council and Australian Forestry Standard as
international third-party forest certification systems. A3P has since written to PIMC Ministers urging them to adopt a similar position and A3P is encouraged by the positive replies received which detail current and planned policy initiatives and changes to existing procurement strategies including:
–being signatories to sustainable procurement frameworks that provide a national approach to integrating sustainability into public procurement;
–development of tools and guidelines that promote a consistent approach to sustainability criteria and standards, supporting procurement of third party certified sustainable goods and services;
–development of sustainable buying guides; and
–commitment to sustainable procurement practices and policies for wood and paper products.
A3P looks forward to working with the Australian and State Governments, including through the PIMC, to encourage recognition and procurement of wood and paper products certified as being sourced from sustainably managed forests.
For more news in this Issue...click here [pdf 130kb]
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AFSL Stakeholder forum wrap-up
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Brief August 2009 |
Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFSL) hosted a well received Stakeholders Dialogue Forum in Brisbane last month. The forum was attended by approximately 40 delegates who were given the opportunity to listen to key presentations from a range of experts and to network with their peers.
– Simon Dorries, EWPAA’s General Manager,discussed the issues associated with certification in New Zealand and Papau New Guinea.
– Chris White, Senior Sales Manager of Moxon Timbers highlighted some issues timber merchants have with Chain of Custody certification.
– Andrew Aitkin, GBCA’s Green Star Rating Tool Manager and Queensland Manager, addressed the Green Star programme in relation to its rating tools and timber credit review.
More Information...click here [pdf 275kb]
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AFS Stamp of approval for WA forests
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Media Release July 2009 |
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) has acquired the coveted Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certification
The certification means consumers who buy wood products sourced from Western Australian native forests can be assured their merchandise originated in an internationally accredited forest.
Forestry Minister Terry Redman said the certification recognised the FPC and its practices in harvesting and regenerating native forests were environmentally sustainable and protected the biodiversity of the State’s forests.
More Information...click here [pdf 108kb]
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GBCA Assessment Framework for Forest Management Certification Schemes
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Media release June 2009 |
Australian Forestry Standard Limited addresses the MAT-8 ‘Timber Criteria’ Assessment Framework proposal - Released 19 June 2009
The AFSL supports the recognition of timber certified under an internationally recognised certification scheme in Green Star rated buildings and clearly sees the benefits to the environment of GBCA driving the Green Building agenda. It is the AFSL’s view that the current approach has developed into a much more complicated process than is necessary and our concerns remain with the MAT-8 ‘Timber criteria’ framework, the validity of the outcome of the Timber Experts Reference Panel (TERP) and the assessment process as presented in this draft document.
More Information...click here [pdf 397kb]
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