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Structural Building Component Green Building FAQs

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• What is this eco-labeling concept I’ve been hearing about?
• I’ve heard acronyms like LEED and FSC and SFI in relation to green building. What do all these stand for and which ones does my plant need to be certified in to supply jobs applying for green building certification?
• Are any truss plants in the U.S. and Canada approved to handle certified lumber? What was the process like?
• I keep hearing the term Chain-of-Custody. What does this mean and why is it important in green building?
• How do certified truss plants address Chain-of-Custody issues?
• What is the cost of these Chain-of-Custody certifications for component manufacturing plants? How long does it take?
• My plant would like to become certified. Where should we start?
• It is hard for us to find FSC certified lumber sources in our market. Is it true that there are only a few lumber mills in that are FSC certified?
• Do builders, subcontractors and lumber yards also have to become certified to participate in green building?
• What about truss plates? Do they need to be certified?

What is this eco-labeling concept I’ve been hearing about?

An industry group, spearheaded by the LBM Institute (LBMI), has developed a proposal for implementing an “eco-label” which would identify lumber from certified forests. It is intended that this eco-label approach would eliminate rigorous chain of custody requirements for component manufacturers and other entities currently required to meet them when handling and processing certified lumber. If implemented, an eco-labeling program would parallel PS-20 grade-stamping procedures.

The industry group, including WTCA members and staff, discussed the eco-label idea at a forum on July 24, 2008. The concept will be formally proposed to the ALSC Administrative & Finance Subcommittee meeting on August 27. More information will be available following that meeting.

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I’ve heard acronyms like LEED and FSC and SFI in relation to green building. What do all these stand for and which ones does my plant need to be certified in to supply jobs applying for green building certification?

Here is the short answer. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building program. There are several other commercial and residential programs out there being used by builders. It is not necessary for component manufacturers to become certified in these green building programs to participate in green building.

FSC and SFI are acronyms for sustainable forestry certification programs (Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative, respectively). In order for CMs to purchase and handle lumber certified by FSC or SFI, they must achieve certification in these programs.

For a more in-depth look at green building standards and forest certification programs, read “So You Want Your Lumber Green,” an SBC Magazine article.

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Are any truss plants in the U.S. and Canada approved to handle certified lumber? What was the process like?

Yes, but not many. The process of certification for “secondary manufacturers” is known as Chain-of-Custody. Typically, an accredited third-party is hired to oversee the process of becoming certified and award certification to an operation. These third-party certification bodies charge a fee for working with companies in this process. In addition, they may charge an annual fee to conduct audits and maintain the certification.

For instance, in North America, just 4 companies are accredited FSC certification bodies. Each of these companies has a list of auditors who charge a fee to work with companies. To start the certification process, contact an accredited FSC certification body from this list. Initially, you will be asked to fill out and submit an application form. Next, you will receive a quote for their services. Then you will talk through the procedures and requirements. Finally, the audit company assigned to your operation will perform an onsite audit and records review. You become certified once the auditor determines that you have met all the requirements. [Note: the process is very similar for other chain-of-custody certifications like SFI.]

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I keep hearing the term Chain-of-Custody. What does this mean and why is it important in green building?

The type of lumber that qualifies for points or credits under the current green building programs (like LEED or Green Globes) must meet strict paperwork requirements that trace every stick of lumber from the forest in which it was raised all the way to the consumer. This tracking process is called “Chain-of-Custody,” and serves as proof to the end user that sustainable forestry practices have been observed. The concept of sustainability is an essential component of green building programs.

It’s important for component manufacturers to know that Chain-of-Custody does not end when you obtain lumber from a certified source. CMs seeking certification must also take measures to separate certified lumber from non-certified materials while in storage. Several other Chain-of-Custody procedures must be met and documented by the component manufacturer in order to achieve certification. Your accredited certification body will assist you through this process.

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How do certified truss plants address Chain-of-Custody issues?

The certified agent will help you through that process. From CMs we’ve talked to, it wasn’t difficult to address the issue of creating a separate and distinct process for throughput (keeping the certified lumber separate from everything else).

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What is the cost of these Chain-of-Custody certifications for component manufacturing plants? How long does it take?

The cost for Chain-of-Custody certification is generally between $2500 and $6000 for the first year. However, the exact cost will depend on your geographical location and which certification body you choose. Included in this fee is: payment for the auditors’ time and services, an annual fee to the organization and an annual fee for the use of its logo for marketing purposes. Because these fees are annual, expect to pay similar fees each year you maintain your certification.

According to the certified CMs we’ve talked to, it can take anywhere from 1 month to several months to attain certification. This depends on many factors, including your degree of preparedness, level of documentation, and how quickly you can meet other requirements.

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My plant would like to become certified. Where should we start?

First determine which certification you will pursue. Click here for information about FSC certification. Click here for information about SFI certification.

Next, contact the agency and schedule a third party inspection of your operation. You can also review the step-by-step process How to Comply with Green Building Programs.

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• http://certifiedwoodsearch.org
• http://www.fsc-info.org

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Do builders, subcontractors and lumber yards also have to become certified to participate in green building?

To handle certified lumber, the builder does not have to be FSC or SFI certified, but all building material suppliers and “secondary manufacturers” (CMs) must be. Contractors may also have to be certified if they are responsible for transporting any certified materials.

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What about truss plates? Do they need to be certified?

Truss plates cannot receive certification because FSC and SFI apply solely to wood. However, the recycled content of truss plates is very high (at least 25%), and is relatively consistent among all the plate suppliers since they punch plates from sheet steel.

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