Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) is a prerequisite of responsible architecture, so what does it mean to your project? Designs that minimize life-time energy and resource use, such as water saving and re-use, reducing heating and cooling needs are all things that immediately come to mind.

So what role do internal linings play in ESD?
Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) is the world’s most rigorous forest product labeling scheme. It is the only forest label supported by environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and The Australian Conservation Foundation, and by major forest product retailers.

So what does specifying FSC do for the environment? Increased demand for FSC product encourages FSC certification, which in turn is an assurance that: •    Waterways are protected •    Wildlife habitat and species are protected •    High conservation value forests are preserved •    Forest management practices are monitored annually •    Pesticide use is reduced •    Worker safety and wellbeing is enhanced •    The rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected •    Communities are respected and valued This has already resulted in the area in Australia and New Zealand under FSC certification more than doubling between 2003 and 2006.

Beware of greenwashing!
Greenwashing is the practice of issuing misleading information to present a more environmentally responsible image than the facts justify. The FSC have set up a rigorous chain of custody system to ensure that what is sold as FSC certified material really is.
This certification and auditing process not only involves forest management but every step of the supply chain. Chain of Custody certification is an assurance that there are audited systems to ensure that only FSC certified materials are sold as such.