PEFC Project Sourcing certification helps you demonstrate that the forest and tree-based materials used in your project are responsibly sourced, traceable, and supported by independently verified evidence.
The certification is designed for construction and other project-based activities where multiple organisations may be involved in sourcing, supplying, and installing materials. It provides a framework for managing procurement, material traceability and documentation throughout a project.
PEFC Project Sourcing certification can be applied to a single project or used across multiple projects under one certification system.
Project teams are increasingly expected to demonstrate responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency and compliance with procurement requirements. PEFC Project Sourcing certification provides an independently verified framework to support these objectives and communicate sourcing commitments with confidence.
Is PEFC Project Sourcing certification right for your project?
PEFC Project Sourcing certification can be used for a wide range of project types, including:
- commercial and office buildings
- residential developments
- public buildings and community infrastructure
- transport and civil infrastructure
- fit-outs and interior projects
- refurbishment and retrofit projects
- temporary structures and exhibitions
The certification is suitable for projects of different sizes and can accommodate multiple contractors and subcontractors operating under a common project sourcing management system.
Choose the certification model that suits your organisation
PEFC Project Sourcing certification offers several certification models:
- Single project certification – for organisations seeking certification for one project.
- Multi-project certification – for organisations managing several projects under one project sourcing management system.
- Group certification – enabling smaller organisations to participate through a shared certification framework.
What can be included?
The scope can include a wide range of forest and tree-based materials, including structural timber, engineered wood products such as CLT and glulam, joinery, fit-out products, and temporary construction materials.
PEFC Project Sourcing certification allows the use of PEFC certified material, other eligible certified material from other schemes, recycled material, and material from controlled sources. Where non-certified material is used, due diligence procedures must be applied to ensure it does not originate from controversial sources. All forest and tree-based materials used in the project, whether within or outside the project scope, must be sourced legally.
What are the certification requirements?
To be recognised as a completed PEFC certified project, certification requirements apply at both project level and component level:
- the forest and tree-based material sourced for the installed components under the project scope must collectively include at least 70% PEFC certified content; and
- each installed component within the project scope must contain at least 70% certified content from PEFC certified material and/or other eligible certified material under other schemes.
The remaining content may be sourced from recycled material or controlled sources that meet the requirements of the standard.
How does certification work?
Step 1: Define the project scope
Identify which forest and tree-based materials will be included within the certification scope. This should be done before procurement begins and should clearly define the products, components and activities that will be covered by certification.
Step 2: Set up your project sourcing system
Before sourcing materials, you need to establish a project sourcing management system in line with the PEFC Project Sourcing standard (PEFC ST 2102). Your system should define:
- roles and responsibilities
- participating contractors and project members
- sourcing and procurement procedures
- supplier requirements
- material identification and traceability procedures
- document control and record-keeping processes
Step 3: Implement sourcing controls
Throughout the project, implement the sourcing system and maintain records demonstrating compliance. This includes:
- collecting supplier documentation
- verifying certification claims
- maintaining traceability records
- calculating certified material content
- applying due diligence procedures where required
Step 4: Complete an independent audit
A PEFC-recognised certification body will audit your project sourcing management system and verify that sourcing controls, material traceability and documentation meet the requirements of the standard.
For individual projects, audits are conducted during the project and again at project completion. For organisations operating multi-project certification, annual surveillance audits verify ongoing compliance.
Step 5: Certification and communication
Following successful initial certification, projects may be recognised as applicant projects and be listed in the PEFC public database. This allows organisations to communicate that a project sourcing certification management system is in place while construction is underway.
Once the project is completed and final verification is successful, it may be recognised as a completed PEFC-certified project and listed in the PEFC public database. Organisations may then communicate verified project sourcing claims in accordance with PEFC trademark requirements.
Can contractors and subcontractors participate?
The certificate holder is responsible for implementing and maintaining the project sourcing management system. Contractors and subcontractors may participate within the project’s scope without holding their own PEFC Chain of Custody certification, provided they operate in accordance with the project’s procedures and controls.
However, contractors and subcontractors supplying in-scope forest and tree-based materials must hold a valid PEFC Chain of Custody certificate.
How does PEFC Project Sourcing help organisations meet green building requirements?
PEFC Project Sourcing certification helps project teams organise and verify sourcing information for forest and tree-based materials, supporting the material disclosure and responsible sourcing evidence required by green building rating systems and sustainable procurement frameworks.
Green building schemes such as BREEAM, LEED, DGNB, Nordic Swan and CASBEE recognise PEFC certified materials. PEFC certified wood is also recognised in Built by Nature’s Principles for Responsible Construction Implementation Framework.
Learn more: https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PEFC_Project_Sourcing_4_pages_2026_06_03.pdf
