There are endless potential projects where hardwood is the superior material choice for its beauty, workability, and durability. But for eco-conscious consumers, they might have reservations, imagining the pages of The Lorax where trees are chopped without care.
Luckily, things have changed since Dr. Suess’s time. Now, we have someone else to speak for the trees — the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and ethical lumber manufacturers like Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc.
With our FSC®-certified hardwood, you can bring any dream project to life knowing it doesn’t come at an environmental or human toll. We’ll dive deep into what FSC® certification means and how Gutchess Lumber’s environmental and sustainability policies set us apart in the lumber industry.
What Is FSC® Certification?
FSC® certification is a certificate that forests or lumber-based products can earn if they meet stringent ethical, environmental, and social standards.
The FSC® has been dedicated to protecting the world’s forests since 1994, focusing on improving sustainability and human impact throughout the supply chain. Its mission is to protect forests and work with the lumber industry, instead of against it.
To earn FSC® certification, a forest must:
- Submit an application to a third-party FSC®-accredited certification body.
- Complete an assessment with the FSC®-accredited certification body.
- Complete the FSC® Check questionnaire.
- Sign the FSC® Trademark License Agreement.
- Once approved, complete annual audits through the FSC®-accredited certification body.
It might seem odd that inspections and certifications are completed through a third-party body. But this process encourages consistency as these third-party certification bodies can dedicate more time to vet potential forests.
FSC® Chain of Custody Certification
The FSC® chain of custody certification encourages manufacturers and producers to maintain a transparent, ethical, and traceable supply chain. To earn this certification, manufacturers must prove:
- Forest-based materials used in at least part of the production must be FSC®-certified.
- FSC®-certified material must be identified and tracked throughout the supply chain.
- All involved parties must be able to produce all documents and records relating to FSC®-certified product production, purchase, and sales.
- There must be no child or forced labor at any point in the supply chain.
- There must be no employment discrimination.
- Certificate holders must protect their workers’ freedom of association and right to collective bargaining.
Why Choose FSC®-Certified Hardwood
When lumber is harvested, processed, and manufactured from an FSC®-certified forest, there are more checkpoints throughout the supply chain to ensure consumers receive a superior product.
Gutchess Lumber’s FSC®-certified products include:
Sustainability Beyond FSC® Certification: Our Commitment
As a family- and employee-owned organization, we’re proud to use practices that make lumber manufacturing a more ethical industry. See how our values set Gutchess Lumber apart:
| Environmental Responsibility | Our wood is sourced from actively managed forests that conserve biodiversity and replant trees, prioritizing forest health over profit. |
| Social Benefits | Gutchess supports local communities with scholarship funds, community education events, and other opportunities. |
| Traceability | We play an active role in modeling responsible supply chains and green building. |
| High Quality | Our strict standards offer customers high-quality hardwood and ethical sourcing. |
| Reduced Carbon Footprint | We use practices that promote carbon sequestration, reducing our carbon footprint. |
How FSC® Certification Benefits You
Choosing lumber from FSC®-certified forests doesn’t just promote environmental and social responsibility. It’s just one way to ensure your lumber manufacturer is invested in their product, for higher quality lumber and happier customers.
Choose transparency and be confident in a better product, whether sourcing for green building, urban infrastructure, or high-quality flooring. The team at Gutchess is with you every step of the way, speaking for the trees without sacrificing your bottom line.
FAQs
How does Gutchess Lumber ensure responsible sourcing?
Gutchess Lumber offers FSC®-certified products and only sources from sustainably- and actively-managed forests to ensure we don’t become part of the problem in the lumber industry.
Why is FSC® certification important for sustainability?
FSC® certification is important because it upholds a high standard, evaluated by accredited third-party bodies. This means certified manufacturers like Gutchess are held to a consistent, high standard. They are also held accountable to maintain those sustainable practices and keep their certification.
Is FSC®-certified wood higher quality?
Although FSC® certification doesn’t specifically cover product quality, it supports well-managed supply chains that often produce higher-quality products.
Is FSC®-certified wood more expensive?
In some cases, FSC®-certified wood might be more expensive. But typically, other factors affect the price more, such as supply, demand, seasonal or environmental factors, and mill capacity.
