Petition Demands Change to the Green Building Rating System
The petition concludes, “For the sake of our forests, our communities, the tens of thousands of family foresters who make their livelihoods from forestry and the future of green building across North America and globally, it is time for USGBC to do the right thing and recognize all credible forest certification standards: SFI, ATFS, CSA, FSC, and PEFC.”
Selected Comments from the petition:
“There is no doubt that SFI has established credible standards supporting best management practices in forestry along with verifiable data. It is time for science and verifiable data to drive the certification. Good forestry follows good markets as data will show. We will plant, grow, harvest, and replant as the market grows. This will enhance clean air, clean water, wildlife and all the supports of our quality of life. As 2009 National Tree Farmer of the Year and 2010 Governor's Agricultural Stewardship Award winners, Earl and I know firsthand how important sustainability, stewardship and conservation are to our industry, state and nation. “
Wanda T. Barrs
“I strongly urge the USGBC to expand the rating system to wood and paper products certified to independent, respected and credible standards, including the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These organizations are recognized and well respected. We need to take advantage of all these organizations and level the playing field. Only relying on FSC does not provide a competitive business environment or allow suppliers to take advantage of products certified under these other organizations.”
Paul Robbertz VP, EHS Pitney Bowes Inc.
“I respect the LEED standard, but LEED seems not to have respect for SFI, ATFS or PEFC. We all want the same thing...and it is a great shame that LEED wants to lock out these wonderful groups with the highest of standards that include so many good stewards of the land. WAKE UP, LEED!”