As companies conscientiously participate in the growing movement towards ethical and  sustainable practices, auditing programs which provide certification to companies and products are gaining increased attention. The two most prevalent auditing systems in North America are the FSC and the SFI; but how are they different, and what merits their seal of integrity?

Both organizations have played a major role in standardizing the current expectations and methods in evaluating forest preservation, and both programs are continually in the process of improving and evolving. The certification process for each organization is similar: both the FSC and the SFI require a preliminary assessment, a field verification report, a certification declaration and periodical audits.

It's important to understand that forest certification is a voluntary process - no company is forced to become certified by way of law or litigation. The choice to be accredited by an individual auditing system - whether it be the FSC, the SFI or both - is up to the discretion of the individual company.

THE SFI

The SFI (Sustainable Forest Initiative) promotes itself as a, "fully independent, charitable organization dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management, [while working] with conservation groups, local communities, resource professionals, landowners, and countless other organizations and individuals."

Although the SFI was rebuked in the 2001 report for its original ownership by the AF & PA (American Forest & Paper Association) - which maintained private control over the organization during its first 10 year period - according to Rick Fletcher, the organization as of 2008, "is fully committed and has moved to independent or third-party certification and has a strong auditing system in place, using auditors such as PricewaterhouseCoopers." In terms of auditing, "the SFI without question takes the lead."

Today, the SFI Companies have an annual surveillance audit and every five years the company is required to undergo a complete rectification. The SFI (as wells as the FSC) now offers a chain-of-custody certification to govern over the production process from beginning to end, carefully tracking the products that carry their certification.   

The FSC

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), was founded in 1993 by representatives from environmental, social, and forest management groups to be an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit conversational organization meant to provide a certification program that would be, "ecologically and socially credible, [as well as] economically practicable and responsive to both international and local needs." The goal was to promote the responsible management of the world's forests.

The FSC, "prohibits conversion of natural forests or other habitat around the world; prohibits the use of highly hazardous pesticides around the world; prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMOs); respects the right of indigenous peoples around the world; and controls each certified operation at least once a year - and if they are found not to comply, the certificate is withdrawn."

In a 2008 report, According to Rick Fletcher - professor with Oregon State University College of Forestry and lead professor on a 2001 study that included an analysis of both the FSC and the SFI certification programs - "Overall, the environmental standards of the FSC are more stringent. For example, the FSC prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) whereas the SFI allows them as long as national and international standards are being met."

In order for forest management to meet the social, economic, ecological, and cultural needs of the present - and of future generations to come - the FSC upholds 10 important principles: 

• Principle 1: Compliance with all applicable laws and international treaties 
• Principle 2: Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long-term land tenure and use rights 
• Principle 3: Recognition and respect of indigenous peoples' rights
• Principle 4: Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities and respect of worker's rights in compliance with International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions 
• Principle 5: Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forest
• Principle 6: Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and maintenance of the ecological functions and integrity of the forest
• Principle 7: Appropriate and continuously updated management plan
• Principle 8: Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to assess the condition of the forest, management activities and their social and environmental impacts
• Principle 9: Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) defined as environmental and social values that are considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance
• Principle 10: In addition to compliance with all of the above, plantations must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.

Integrity

Currently, the FSC and the SFI continue to share the same agenda; it's a priority of both organizations to systematize forest preservation and sustainability. The SFI exceeds the FSC in business practices, auditing, worker training and economic sustainability - however, the FSC is the environmentally conscientious 'gold standard'; the FSC excels beyond the SFI in imposing environmental standards and upholding social obligations.

The FSC is able to effectively prohibit the conversion and destruction of forests or any other natural habitat, eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals, as well as identify and appropriate the management of areas that require special protection (e.g. cultural or sacred sites, as well as the habitat of endangered animals and plants.) As part of its certification, The FSC additionally affects legislation which maintains a respect for international workers and human rights - particularly respecting those of indigenous peoples.
 

Because the FSC upholds a higher level of standard in regard to environmental and social concerns and responsibilities, EcoHomeResources.com recognizes and values their label of certification as a validation of product integrity.

For resources & further information, visit:

• the SFI
• the FSC
• the FSC principles and criteria
  
• the American Forest & Paper Association
• FERN, the Forest and the European Union Resource Network
• the June 2001 Comparison, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Council of Maine, Environmental Advocates
• a 2006 comparison, the Healthy Building Network
• the 2008 comparison, Paper Specs