PEFC webinar explores new Project Sourcing standard, now open for consultation

13 November 2025 Sustainable construction

PEFC International recently hosted a webinar to introduce the new PEFC Project Sourcing Standard, giving built environment professionals the opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes and how to take part in the public consultation, open until 23 December 2025.

The session brought together experts from PEFC International to explain the evolution of project certification, the development of the new standard, and the innovations it introduces to make responsible sourcing easier, clearer, and more consistent.

The webinar recording is available below:

A standard built on collaboration

The new Project Sourcing standard builds on more than 15 years of experience with PEFC Project Certification. It supports organisations in demonstrating that forest and tree-based materials used in construction, interior design, and infrastructure projects come from sustainably managed forests.

“A standard is much more than a document,” said Marta Martínez Pardo, Certification Programme Senior Manager at PEFC International. “It’s a shared language for an entire sector - a tool that brings people together to agree on how sustainability should be implemented and verified.”

Marta explained that the new standard helps maintain traceability in complex projects involving multiple suppliers and contractors. “It’s about ensuring responsible sourcing in multi-actor environments such as construction projects, where materials pass through many hands before reaching the site,” she added.

Developed through consensus

According to Huong Maggi, Certification Programme Officer and Project Sourcing Coordinator, the standard was developed through PEFC’s formal, consensus-based process.

“Experts from construction, certification bodies, and PEFC national members worked together to align the requirements with current market needs and regulatory frameworks,” Huong said. “The process will take around a year and a half, and we expect final approval by the PEFC General Assembly in May 2026.”

Huong also highlighted that public input is essential to this process. “Every comment helps us shape a standard that’s not only credible, but also practical for those implementing it,” she noted.

Key innovations for the sector

The new standard introduces several innovations designed to improve accessibility and flexibility.
 One of the most significant is multi-project certification, which allows organisations to manage multiple projects under one certification system - reducing duplication and costs.

Another is the concept of “applicant projects”, enabling companies to communicate about their verified responsible sourcing practices during construction rather than waiting until completion.

“This is a really exciting development,” said Huong. “It allows companies to showcase their sustainability commitments while a project is still underway.”

The revised approach also opens new pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate through group certification models.

“We’ve made sure that smaller companies can take part through shared management systems,” said Marta. “Certification should be accessible to everyone, no matter their size.”

Bridging forest certification and construction

For the built environment, the new standard offers a stronger connection between sustainable forest management and responsible building practices.

“Construction is one of the most material-intensive industries in the world,” said Jonathan Tibbits, Project Certification Lead at PEFC International. “Project Sourcing certification provides a credible framework to manage complex construction projects and link sustainable forest management directly to the buildings we live and work in.”

Jonathan also emphasized the standard’s alignment with international green building frameworks such as LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB.

“Project Sourcing certification serves as a bridge between sustainable forestry and the built environment,” he explained. “It helps organisations meet responsible sourcing and reporting requirements while ensuring materials are legally harvested and responsibly sourced.”

Have your say

The public consultation on the PEFC Project Sourcing standard and the accompanying Requirements for Certification Bodies is open until 23 December 2025. Built environment professionals, certification experts, and all interested stakeholders are invited to review the draft and share their feedback.

Fill out this form to get access to the standards for feedback.