Keep a list of FSC-certified wood products used on the project so that O&M staff can use these products for future renovations.

Streamline documentation and research by taking data gathered from subcontractors via the Environmental Materials Reporting Form and transfer it into a master spreadsheet for all the items being tracked across MR and IEQ credits. (See Documentation Toolkit.) For example, you may need to ask the millwork contractor for certified wood information for this credit, and information on urea-formaldehyde-free products for IEQc4.4. If one spreadsheet collects all the data, it can streamline your documentation, associated research, and help with quality control. 

The GC functions as the overall quality assurance provider for this credit. Responsibilities include conducting weekly reviews of subcontractor product submittals and tracking forms including checking that CoC numbers have been provided for FSC wood.

Do additional research on the availability of any FSC-certified wood that you did not already research during the design phase before construction begins to ensure that the project earns this credit. If product decisions are made after construction begins, there may be less time to carefully review data sheets and much greater risk of using a noncompliant product.

The general contractor (GC) is oriented to this credit and the need to track FSC-certified wood, along with being oriented to all of their responsibilities, including construction IAQ management, low-emitting materials, environmental materials tracking, and construction waste management. 

There may be a longer lead time for ordering FSC wood. Make sure to order FSC wood early. Check with manufacturers early to learn about possible delays.

Some projects require materials submittals from contractors as a stipulation of payment to ensure that contractors provide all the needed documentation.

Carefully review manufacturer data. Don’t pay attention to vague claims such as “Our product will give you a certified wood LEED point” (when it will only contribute to the credit). No matter what the manufacturer claims, you’ll still need to collect actual costs and FSC Chain-of-Custody numbers. 

Whenever possible, designate in the construction specifications that contractors use specific product manufacturers that you have verified as suppliers of FSC-certified wood items. This will help save research time for the contractors.

You will need a letter, cut sheet, or statement from the vendor indicating what kind of FSC certification the wood has: FSC Pure or FSC mixed. FSC Recycled wood counts toward MRc4: Recycled Content, not this credit.