Model Contract Specification clause

1.      Sustainable Timber and wood derived products

 1.1             The Contractor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that at least 70% (by volume or weight) of each category of timber and wood derived products acquired by the Contractor for supply or use in the performance of the contract shall be either - (a) ’recycled timber’ as defined in the General Conditions of Contract paragraph 3; or (b) timber from a ‘sustainable source’ as defined below; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). A category in this context means timber and wood derived products supplied for a specific purpose distinct from that for which other timber and wood derived products is required. For example, hardwood window frames, wall panelling, floor joists, furniture, site hoardings are each separate categories. Where a certified product provides assurance that a minimum of 70% of the timber was from a well managed forest but does not identify the actual percentage then the Contractor shall ensure that the entire category is so certified.

 1.2             The term ’sustainable source‘ in the context of this Contract Specification refers to production and process methods, also referred to as sustainable timber production standards, as defined by the document titled “ UK Government timber procurement policy: Definition of ‘legal’ and ‘sustainable’ for timber procurement”(available from the Authority on request and visible on the UK Government authorised Central Point of Expertise on Timber web site). The edition current on the day the Contract is awarded shall apply.

 2.      Sustainable Timber Production Standards.

 2.1             The standards and criteria set for demonstrating attainment of such standards will be acceptable to the authority only if they can be independently verified as appropriate for meeting the sustainable timber production standard objectives specified in 1.2.

 2.2             Management of the forest or plantation shall be audited at intervals confirming ongoing good forest management and by organisations with appropriate forest management experience that are independent of the organisation that holds timber harvest and/or management rights for that forest.

 3.      Proof of Virgin Timber Origin

 3.1         Where ‘Category B’ evidence (as defined in 3.2) is to be made available, the Contractor is required to notify the Authority of the source or sources of all virgin timber and wood derived products supplied. Source in this context means the forest or plantation where the trees were grown and all subsequent places of delivery through the supply chain prior to receipt by the Authority. The Contractor shall separately identify virgin timber and wood derived products supplied from forests and plantations that are claimed to be subject to sustainable timber production and shall submit to the Authority documentation in respect of such wood to confirm that the criteria for sustainable timber production set out in this specification have been met. 

 3.2.        The Authority will accept evidence from either or both of the following two categories:

•  3.2.1    Category A evidence: Certification under a scheme recognized by the UK Government as meeting the criteria set out in the document titled   “UK Government Timber Procurement Policy: Criteria for Evaluating Category A Evidence” (available from the Authority on request and visible on the UK Government authorised Central Point of Expertise on Timber web site). The edition current on the day the Contract is awarded shall apply. A list of assessed certification schemes that currently meet the government’s requirements can be found at Annex D. 
• 3.2.2.    Category B evidence: Documentary evidence other than Category A evidence that provides assurance that the source is sustainable. In this context “sustainable” is defined in the document titled “ UK Government Timber Procurement Policy: Evaluation of Category B Evidence: Methodology (available from the Authority on request and visible on the UK Government authorised Central Point of Expertise on Timber web site). The edition current on the day the Contract is awarded shall apply. Such Category B evidence may include, for example, independent audits and declarations by the Contractor or his suppliers.

 3.3       The Contractor’s attention is drawn to the General Conditions of contract which requires him or her to provide credible evidence on the source of products supplied that has been or can be independently verified as such by an individual or body whose organisation, systems and procedures conform to ISO Guide 65:1996 (EN 45011:1998) General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems or equivalent: and who is accredited to audit against timber production standards by a national or international body whose organisation, systems and procedures conform to ISO 17011: 2004 General Requirements for Providing Assessment and Accreditation of Conformity Assessment  Bodies or equivalent. This condition is met automatically where Category A evidence is supplied.

 3.4       The Contractor’s attention is also drawn to the Supplementary Condition of Contract relating to timber and wood derived products in respect of the Contractor’s obligation to ensure that all timber and wood derived products acquired for supply or use in performance of the contract is legal, as defined in paragraph 4.1 of the General Conditions of Contract.

Signed…………………………………

Name in Capitals (as in tender)………………………………………

For and on behalf of …………………………………………………………

Date………………….