FSC certification is not restricted to products on a shelf, buildings can be FSC-certified too. FSC Project Certification is available for a wide range of construction projects, including new builds, event infrastructure, renovations, sculptures, and even boats! FSC Project Certification can enhance a project's environmental credentials and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
A world first in Ilford
Back in 2007, Westside Apartments in Ilford, proved that it is possible to deliver a commercial, fully FSC-certified project (FSC-P001540) ahead of time and on budget. (Please note: the information below was taken from our case study published in 2007).
The certification, under the FSC Project Certification Standard, was significant because it was the first time any commercial construction project had been fully certified as using timber entirely from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources. This project was overseen throughout by the FSC accredited certification body BM TRADA, who confirmed that the 73-home timber-framed housing complex used 100% FSC certified timber.
Westside Apartments was a landmark development for both the construction industry and Hollybrook Homes. The development company, based in London, had produced many innovative houses and mixed-use projects across the city but Westside Apartments was ground breaking. The development comprised of mixed-tenure, affordable, apartments and was sold to the housing association Tower Homes. All elements of the timber used in the construction and interior finishings, from the timber frame to the kitchen cupboards, were sourced from FSC-certified suppliers. Where this could not be achieved, some suppliers were supported and helped to become FSC-certified to help achieve the project certification. The resulting interior specifications were comparable to those found in a private residential development.
Leading the way for the rest of the industry
Hollybrook Homes’ construction director, Andy Suttle was proud of his company’s achievement: “The certification of Westside Apartments has already generated tremendous interest both nationally and internationally,” he said.
While the certification itself was impressive, it was equally impressive that the whole project was completed ahead of schedule and well within budget. It is important to remember that, while Westside Apartments features some unique environmental credentials, it was never intended as an eco-build, it was always intended as a profitable development. By beating their projected schedule and staying within budget Hollybrook Homes proved it was possible for commercial projects to use FSC-certified timber without incurring greater expense or lengthier build times, setting a new construction industry standard.
Andy Suttle, explained: “We take our responsibility towards sustainability and environmental good practice very seriously. The opportunity to work closely with FSC, BM TRADA and our timber suppliers to make Westside Apartments a world first was the kind of challenge we relish. We implemented a simple control system which was easy to manage on site and within our normal working practices. Once in place it made the process towards certification straightforward.”
Fraser Steele, the Managing Director of Perth-based Glenalmond Timber Company, played a key role in promoting FSC and bringing together the various parties for the pilot scheme. Many of the structural timbers used in the construction were his company’s revolutionary product, UltraJoist, which is a super-dry, dimensionally stable, FSC certified timber. Steele was keen to get the word out that using FSC-certified wood is economically viable, saying that: “The number of projects seeking to use FSC-certified timber is increasing daily. FSC need not be financially prohibitive, we can confirm that the price difference of using FSC certified timber is so marginal that it makes little difference across the whole project.”
Westside Apartments led the way for the rest of the industry and set the benchmark, showing that FSC was and is still both affordable and achievable. Other FSC-certified projects in the UK soon followed, such as the London 2012 Olympic Park.
Take a look at FSC UK’s other highlights and achievements from 2005-2025 here.