Forestry Commission Scotland is the first national forestry service in the world to achieve international recognition for its greening initiatives and comprehensive environmental management systems (EMS).
FC Scotland was assessed by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance auditors, who looked at the implementation of programmes to minimise energy use and reduce travel emissions, as well as ongoing efforts to reduce, recycle and re-use waste.
They certified all FC Scotland’s offices, workshops and work practices as complying with the requirements of this leading international standard (ISO 14001). Work is now ongoing to achieve full compliance for Forestry Commission England and Forestry Commission Wales by mid-2012.
FCS already holds UK Woodland Assurance (UKWAS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation for the sustainable management of its forests and this award now means that the environmental quality of every aspect of organisations work is internationally recognised.
Environment & Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said:
"This is excellent news and a major achievement for Forestry Commission Scotland.
"Gaining this certification only goes to highlight the professionalism, passion and commitment that the Commission in Scotland brings to its sustainable management of the national forest estate. It demonstrates the Commission’s environmental credentials across all of its activities and attests to the fact that all of their business operations are run on a sustainable footing.
"This achievement once again places Scottish forestry on the global stage and a lot of people have made a huge effort over the last 18 months to make sure that this could happen. It’s a fantastic accolade - well done to all."
The auditors were additionally impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of all the Commission’s staff in striving to follow best practice in their management of the national forest estate.
