How SFI Compares
As demand for certified products grows, respected organizations around the world are taking a closer look at third-party forest certification programs. Recent reports show growing similarities among the certification standards in North America. These reports include:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/Food and Agriculture Organization
From the 2009-2010 Forest Products Annual Review: "Over the years, many of the issues that previously divided the (certification) systems have become much less distinct. The largest certification systems now generally have the same structural programmatic requirements."
Dovetail Partners Inc.
From a 2010 Forest Certification: A Status Report: "Significant changes have occurred within the major certification programs in recent years, and, in several ways, it is increasingly difficult to differentiate between certification systems in North America."
National Association of State Foresters
From a forest certification policy statement passed by resolution in 2008: "While in different manners, the ATFS (American Tree Farm System), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and SFI systems include the fundamental elements of credibility and make positive contributions to forest sustainability. . . . No certification program can credibly claim to be 'best', and no certification program that promotes itself as the only certification option can maintain credibility."
The SFI program is recognized by many influential organizations around the world, including:
Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET)
The United Kingdom's CPET has confirmed the SFI program was among those that meet its government's requirements for 'legality' and 'sustainability'.
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC)
Independent non-profit PEFC endorses national and/or regional forest certification standards that meet its rigorous criteria. In 2005, it endorsed the SFI forest standard after a thorough application, independent assessments and a public review process.
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers
From the 2008 Statement on Forest Certification Standards in Canada: "Governments in Canada continue to provide technical and policy support to the ongoing development of certification in Canada. . . . Customers can be assured that these forest certification standards (Canadian Standards Associations, FSC and SFI) are complementary to and demonstrate each Government's sustainable forest management regime."
U.S. General Services Administration
From its Solicitation for Offers requirement (Section 7.4): "For all new installations of wood products, the Lessor is encouraged to use independently certified forest products. For information on certification and certified wood products, refer to the Forest Certification Resource Center (www.certifiedwood.org), the Forest Stewardship Council United States (www.fscus.org), or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (www.sfiprogram.org)."
Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
From questions and answers: "PWGSC requires all wood products used in its building projects to be certified under one of the three certification programs that operate in Canada: SFI, the Canadian Standards Association or the Forest Stewardship Council. The department believes all three programs effectively promote more sustainable management of Canada's forest resources.