Green certification: setting the stage.

Depending on which side of the fence one stands on, green certification is either one of the most novel approaches to facilitating forest sustainability, or is simply a money-making scheme.

The rationale behind the green certification movement is that given a choice, consumers would rather buy products that do not harm the environment. This includes items such as trash bags, floor tiling and paint removers, plus products made from woods harvested from sustainable forests. In the case of woo products, the notion is that as more consumers demand certified products, fores owners and manufacturers alike will have reason to undergo the certification process. The underlying assumption is that those who are not managing their resources responsibly will be forced to either join the green bandwagon and improve their habits or be driven out of business.

For certification in the United States, a forest owner, primary or secondary wood products manufacturer must undergo a third party audit of its forest management practices. For Scientific Certification Systems, the criteria used t gauge forest sustainability includes an in-depth evaluation of the management o the forestland with regards to: sustainability of the timber resource, health o the ecosystem and financial and socio-economic considerations with regards to the local community. SCS rates each element on a 100-point scale. Forests scoring 60 or higher in all three categories earn the right to carry a product label attesting to their sustainability.

Green pioneers

The most visible retail player in the green certification movement is Home Depot. The Atlanta-based giant of the home improvement center field has activel promoted green certification in all its stores. Collins Pine Lumber products an Portico "Royal Mahogany" entry doors were certified under the SCS label and are the first green timber products offered by Home Depot.

"These are demonstration projects -- they are symbolic of our commitment to certification. We're working with our vendors and the certification movement to implement green certification into our buying system," said Mark Eisen, manager of Environmental Marketing.

"First it was a matter of 'if.' Now it's a matter of 'when' and 'how.' The 'when' is less a matter than the 'how,' which is still being worked out by the certifiers. The leading companies are positioning themselves for the opportunit to take part in the formulation of certification standards," Eisen said.

Secondary wood manufacturers jumping on the green bandwagon include Colonial Craft, a leading millwork manufacturer, and Buchner Panel Manufacturing.

"I am concerned about what state our forests will be in for future generations, said Lewis Buchner, president of Buchner Panel Manufacturing. "I'm not dogmatic about certification, but I do think it can work. The certification process is quite rigorous. Anything that can be done to help us manage our forests better is good," he added.

Buchner said he pays between 5 and 10 percent more for the green certified flitches used in his architectural-grade EcoPanels. EcoTimber International, a distributor of ecological forest products, will be marketing EcoPanels for Buchner.

"Right now I am limited in the certified species that I carry, mainly maple and red oak. The certified veneers are a very small part of my business at this time, but I hope they will become more significant in the next few years."

Colonial Craft is also making certified products a significant goal. "Colonial Craft is committed to purchasing certified lumber. The company has set a long-term goal of five years for using only certified wood on all products," said Jeanne Germain, corporate communications director.

Resources for certified lumber are also opening up. Pioneer companies, such as Collins Pine and the Menominee Tribal Forests, are being joined by firms such a EcoTimber, in making certified lumber available to secondary wood manufacturers

Green labeling not without detractors

Despite the efforts of many to promote green certification in the United States the concept is not without its detractors.

One of the most notable problems cited by opponents is the lack of standardization between the different certification agencies, combined with the proliferation of green labels in the marketplace. Although the establishment of the Forest Stewardship Council -- a non-profit/non-governmental agency setup to accredit and monitor the certification agencies -- should resolve this problem, this has so far not been the case.

Another problem is the lack of available certified products available to secondary manufacturers and retailers. Many are in the position of Builder' s Square, another home improvement center giant. "We have a wait-and-see position," said Paul Dodge, divisional vice president. "With the number of wood species that we carry, there is no certification yet for most of the materials.

There may not be a consumer demand for certified products, either. Under attack are those studies which cite consumer preference for purchasing from a sustaine forest, and, even a willingness to pay extra.

Robert Waffle, director of government affairs for the International Wood Products Assn., has stated that such pro-certification findings may be in fact, be biased. "A survey can be structured in order to achieve any desired result. How would you expect someone to answer a question about environmental friendliness?"

Paula Fogerty, vice president of marketing for Kindel Furniture, also said not all consumers would view certification labels positively. "The high-end consume is historically the most skeptical... They would certainly raise a high eyebrow at a label which comes from a for-profit, non-objective company."

Sitting on the fence

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn., Fine Hardwoods/Veneer Assn., and the National Dimension Manufacturers Assn. are evaluating the pros and cons of gree certification. Also assessing the status and issues related to green certification is the Society of American Foresters. SAF has appointed a study group of forestry professionals to review the various certification programs, criteria and standards. The group will also focus on the future and impact of certification in the woodworking industry. Findings by this group will not be released until after September, said Larry Hill of the SAF.