PEFC UK (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) have confirmed a collaboration to sponsor the UK national Wood Awards from 2014. The UK’s premier award scheme celebrating excellence in design in wood – the world’s leading naturally sustainable material – is currently calling for projects to enter this year’s competition.
The Malaysian Timber Council represents the interests of the Malaysian timber industry in international markets and promotes the sustainability and the legality of Malaysian forests and its timber industry. PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through a bottom-up forest certification system that focuses on enabling small and family forest owners to obtain certification. To date, PEFC has recognised national certification systems in more than 30 countries which combined account for over 250 million hectares of certified forests, making PEFC the world’s largest forest certification system.
MTC UK director Sheam Satkuru-Granzella said, “PEFC UK and MTCC are both long standing members of the global PEFC family and we work together in the UK and Europe to promote certified timber. The Wood Awards plays an essential role in the awareness of wood and timber products from around the world, in projects which demonstrate excellence in design, craftsmanship and installation”. Alun Watkins, national secretary for PEFC UK added “Our combined support gives us the opportunity to be part of this flagship competition which promotes and celebrates wood which has been legally and sustainably sourced. We now have the opportunity to encourage more projects using PEFC certified timber to enter the Awards, as well as the chance to provide information on the wide ranging benefits of using certified timber and the options which are available to designers, makers, architects, engineers and contractors.”
Over 33% of Malaysia’s natural forests are PEFC/MTCS certified with over 250 PEFC CoC holders, the majority of whom are members of the MTC’s member associations. Recognised in public and private sector procurement policies around the world, PEFC is also widely regarded as the certification system of choice for smallholders.
The Wood Awards are only made possible by the major sponsorship of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the Carpenters’ Company, TRADA and Wood for Good. Other sponsors include American Softwoods, BRE and the Forestry Commission. New from 2014 is the combined sponsorship of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC UK) and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), and the return of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) as a supporter.
The Wood Awards is free to enter. Building and furniture entries from the UK completed in the last two years and not entered before can be submitted from 4th March via www.woodawards.com.