As featured in the Timber and Forestry E News
Standard development work underpins busy 2021 Responsible Wood schedule…
Between the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the impact of the 2019-20 summer bushfires, 2020 has been a year like no other.
As we move into 2021, Responsible Wood is looking forward to what lies ahead.
The publication of the historic trans-Tasman sustainable forest management standard (AS / NZS 4708) will provide common benchmarks for certified Australian and New Zealand forests.
Two years in development, the new standard will be audited for acceptance by PEFC International, meet the rigorous requirements of a fully-fledged JAS-ANZ accredited sustainable forest management system and meet current and future expectations for forest management in both countries.
In addition to AS / NZS 4708, Responsible Wood will work with the newly appointed AS/NZS 4707 Standards Reference Committee and Working Group in developing a new Chain of Custody standard for Forest and Tree Based Products.
The Australia-New Zealand Standard (AS / NZS 4708), along with the Australian standard for Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS / NZS 4707) are key components of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme.
Supporting standard development, Responsible Wood will soon unveil a new website, which will improve the user experience for members, certificate holders and consumers of Responsible Wood certified products.
Responsible Wood will continue to fly the flag for PEFC in Australia, particularly within our export markets where we continue to collaborate with national PEFC entities in Asia.
And finally, we will soon announce the successful recipients of the Responsible Wood Small Grants Program.
Awarded to regional and rural communities connected to a Responsible Wood certified forest, we have been overwhelmed by the quality of applicants received by Responsible Wood Small Grants Coordinator Megan Graham.
So, while 2020 will be forever remembered as the year that reshaped the world, Responsible Wood is optimistic for what 2021 may bring.
Responsible Wood would like to take this opportunity to thank all members and scheme holders for their continued support over the past year.
Our regular office services will be closed from the close of business Thursday, the 24th of December 2020 and will resume on Monday, the 4th of January 2021.
