why cedar

Back

why use western red cedar?
characteristics & properties of western red cedar
benefits of real cedar
real cedar history
real cedar certification
sustainability & the environment
biophilia
forestry facts
why use yellow cedar?
products

Back

siding

Back

introduction
siding home
siding gallery
design & spec
siding grades
siding calculator
prep & install
preparation
pre-building
tyvek drainwrap
general installation
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
siding profiles & trim
bevel
trim boards
board & batten
shingle panels
tongue & groove
lap or channel
decking

Back

introduction
decking home
decking gallery
design & spec
decking grades
decking span charts
span tables
decking calculator
prep & install
fasteners
stairs & railings
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
deck projects
roof deck
ground level deck
raised deck
uphill sloping lot deck
outdoor

Back

introduction
outdoor home
outdoor gallery
design & spec
diy plans
pre-built kits
design tips
span tables
prep & install
preparation
fasteners
finish & maintain
choosing a finish
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
fences
fence construction
fence specifications
pre-built fence panels
indoor

Back

introduction
indoor home
indoor gallery
design & spec
design tips
prep & install
preparation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
indoor projects
saunas
doors & windows
tongue & groove paneling
blinds & shutters
timbers

Back

introduction
timbers home
timbers gallery
design & spec
grades & specs
span tables
prep & install
preparation
installation
finish & maintain
how to finish
care & maintenance
restoration
diy projects
membership

Back

our members

Back

executive members
retailers
partners
tertiary manufacturers
certified cedar distributors
certified cedar distributors - usa
certified cedar distributor - canada
architects
international associates
why become a member?
membership levels
membership benefits
membership faq
cedar school registration
join the wrcla!
member support
resources

Back

gallery
videos
blog
documents
*new* yellow cedar
gallery
about us
architects & builders
member login

USA & Canada

What Is Forest Product Certification

Real Cedar And Forest Certification

More than 85 percent of timberland in BC, which is the primary source for western red cedar, is certified by internationally recognized, independent, third-party forest certification agencies.

The point of independent, third-party evaluations is to protect environmental values such as biodiversity, soil and water quality. Here’s how they work:

Evaluation

Forest companies operating in BC must meet or exceed the high forest management standards demanded by government. In addition, they also have a high level of third-party certification, which gives customers added assurance that they are practicing responsible and sustainable forest management.

Environment

The forests are assessed according to rigorous, measurable and scientific criteria that include ensuring protection of biodiversity and preserving soil and water quality.

Label and Chain of Custody

Forest products can include a label indicating they have been approved as environmentally-friendly and a chain-of-custody system, which tracks a wood product from a tree in the forest through all the steps of processing and production until it reaches the consumer.

Major Certifications

Major Third Party Certification In The US And Canada

Canada is a world leader in the development and implementation of independent, third party forest certification programs. That’s why Canadian and US manufacturers – in particular British Columbian Real Cedar producers – want their customers to have proof that their wood products meet the strictest of sustainability standards.

Certification Fact – At the end of 2019, B.C. had 53 million hectares (131 million acres) of certified lands.

Here is a breakdown of the most trusted third-party, certification agencies in the world:

International Standard Organization (ISO)

Evaluates environmental management systems.

Most of B.C.’s major forest companies have certified ISO 14001 international environmental standards.

 

 Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Evaluates forest practices and performance using internationally recognized criteria that are adapted to local conditions through a transparent public participation process.

Includes a product label and a chain of custody.

The Council of European Paper Industries has ranked the CSA as among the best in the world and the American Forest and Paper Association recognizes it as the functional equivalent of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

 

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)

Evaluates forest practices using a tough standard of environmental principles, objectives, performance measures and core indicators.

Guided by an independent sustainable forest board.

Includes a product label.

                                           

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Evaluates forest practices using 10 guiding principles adapted to local conditions using regional standards.

Includes a product label and a chain of custody.

 

American Tree Farm System

Tree Farms are inspected and certified to assure proper forest management that includes the conservation of soil, water and wildlife.

For more than 70 years, ATFS has enhanced the quality of America’s woodlands by giving private forest owners the tools they need to keep their forests healthy and productive.

ATFS is administered through a network of forest landowners, volunteer members of state and local committees and associations, national and state government agencies, inspecting foresters, forestry consultants, natural resource professionals, and private industry.

You Cedar as much as we do?

Find a retailer
Gallery
Video Gallery