2Sustain

A blog focused on sustainable business issues and challenges

Chatham House Reports Decline in Illegal Logging, But Problems Remain

July 20, 2010 | No Comments →

Over the past decade, various stakeholders have collaborated internationally to combat illegal logging and forest degradation, and now new research says these efforts are beginning to pay off.

The 154-page report, Illegal Logging and Related Trade: Indicators of the Global Response, is an in-depth study of the timber trade in twelve producer, processing and consumer countries, and it includes several encouraging indicators of progress in the fight against illegal logging and related trade. For example: (more…)

EU Ready to Ban Illegal Timber

June 22, 2010 | No Comments →

A compromise deal that will ban illegal timber from Europe is near completion, some seven years after the EU first planned to crack down on the black market for wood products.

According to Greenpeace, the new agreement –which still needs the formal agreement of the full Parliament and Council before it can become law –will send a clear signal to the market that illegal timber is prohibited and ultimately, drive systemic changes in the forestry industry.

“If this law is passed, illegal timber will be banned from Europe,” explains Greenpeace EU forest policy director, Sebastien Risso . ’The world’s largest market is about to shut its gates to companies profiting from illegal trafficking and forest destruction. The black market for wood products is often run by criminals fueling conflict, robbing governments of revenue and causing irreversible environmental destruction. With this law, the black economy for wood products in Europe will be closed for business, leveling the playing field so companies are better able to act sustainably.”

The new law will mean that companies in Europe will be required to (more…)

Video: Sustainability at Jewson, the UK’s Leading Timber and Building Materials Supplier

July 13, 2009 | Comment (1)

With more than 500 locations across the United Kingdom, Jewson is the UK’s leading timber and building materials supplier. What’s more, the company knows a little something about the different facets of the word “sustainability,” too. First of all, Jewson has been in business for over 170 years –the first branch opened in Cambridgeshire in 1836. Secondly, the company has made a name for itself with an unwavering commitment to eco-friendly building solutions.  As part of the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution Group, Europe’s number one building materials distributor, Jewson plays an important role in helping customers source products and services for sustainable construction.

(more…)