Is SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certification an acceptable alterative or substitution for FSC certification? Are there any other acceptable alteratives or substitutions for FSC certification, and if so, which? It appears that the number of FSC certified manufacturers of engineered building products are limited and that FSC certified manufacturer\'s locations are further limited geographically. This latter point obviously affects eligibility for, and more importantly the environmental impacts of, MR Credit 5 Local/Regional Materials. Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.
The SFI and FSC systems were both considered during the development of LEED 2.0, and the FSC system was selected as the reference standard. At this time it is not possible to substitute a different system as the reference standard. Applicable internationally.