WOODCRAFT UK ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

First Principles

Woodcraft UK's environmental policy is based upon a number of first principles:-

1. In all instances, Woodcraft UK will operate in full compliance with the laws of the United Kingdom and of the countries with which Woodcraft UK trades.
2. In all areas of activity, Woodcraft UK will operate with honesty, integrity and a policy of fair-trading.
3. Woodcraft UK places great importance on the Health and Safety of its working environment and the protection of its employees.
4. The well being of its staff will always be taken into account when deciding company policy.

Woodcraft UK believes in the environmental benefits of using timber and wood products compared with any alternative materials.

Environmental Impact of Timber

Current criticisms of timber focus on the issue of de-forestation. However, compared with concrete, steel, aluminium, plastics and other alternatives, Woodcraft UK strongly believes that timber causes less environmental damage when measured on a true cradle-to-grave analysis.

Timber is renewable, natural, organic, non-toxic, waste efficient; can be recycled and bio-degrades safely. Evidence is available which points to timber's contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and thus helping to reduce the risk in global warming.
For these reasons, Woodcraft UK believes that it is beneficial to the environment to contribute to a free international trade in timber, and to recognise the importance of the forest resource for today and the future.

General Environmental Policy

Woodcraft UK will seek to reduce or eliminate waste through efficient utilisation of raw materials, fuel and energy and by promoting re-use and recycling where appropriate,
Woodcraft UK will ensure awareness amongst all employees of the importance of environmental issues.

Timber Policy

Woodcraft UK uses hardwoods, softwoods and panel products sourced from around the world - including the UK. The company is aware of the widespread criticism of developments in forestry and forest management in many countries, but recognises that the situation varies from country to country, and keeps up to date with developments.
Woodcraft UK does not claim that it uses sustainable timber, since no internationally recognised definition of sustainability has been agreed. The company will refer to well-managed forests only where supporting evidence is available.

Woodcraft UK will endeavour to comply with any environmental timber standards required by its customers, including investigating the accreditation of an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Group environmental certification policy.

Woodcraft UK, Unit 5B, Beverley Business Park, Grovehill Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 0JN
Tel. +44 (0) 1482 887921 - Fax +44 (0) 1482 679431
E-mail: info@woodcraftuk.co.uk

Copyright CRITICAL ELEMENTS 2004. All Rights Reserved.