PEFC webinar guides certification bodies through the new Project Sourcing requirements currently under consultation

18 November 2025 Sustainable construction

PEFC International recently hosted a dedicated webinar for certification bodies to present the new PEFC Project Sourcing standard and the accompanying Requirements for Certification Bodies. The session offered participants a detailed look at the new standards, their structure, and what they mean for auditing and certification activities.

Building on more than 15 years of experience with PEFC Project Certification, PEFC Project Sourcing aims to support organisations demonstrate that forest and tree-based materials used in projects, such as construction, interior design, and infrastructure, come from sustainably managed forests.

The webinar formed part of PEFC’s ongoing public consultation process, open until 23 December 2025, helping certification professionals contribute meaningful feedback on the proposed new standards.

This article focuses on the key features of the new Certification Body Requirements for Project Sourcing Certification standard. For more information on the PEFC Project Sourcing standard, see our recent news article and webinar recording.

Supporting certification bodies through change

Led by Marta Martínez Pardo, Certification Programme Senior Manager at PEFC International, the session outlined how the new requirements strengthen the assurance process while keeping certification practical and adaptable to real-world projects.

“This webinar was designed specifically for certification bodies,” Marta explained. “We wanted to give auditors a clear understanding of how PEFC intends PEFC Project Sourcing to work - so they can help us improve it through their feedback.”

The Certification Body Requirements for Project Sourcing Certification standard maintains the same foundation as PEFC’s existing Certification Body Requirements for Chain of Custody Certification (PEFC ST 2003) and ISO 17065, while introducing targeted updates for project-based environments. These additions reflect the complex realities of construction projects - multi-layered supply chains, shared responsibilities, and extended timelines.

A framework built for flexibility and consistency

The new standard keeps familiar structures in place for certification bodies but adds specific guidance where Project Sourcing diverges from traditional Chain of Custody certification. This includes a new appendix on sampling methodologies for multi-project and SME group certifications, ensuring that audits remain both efficient and credible.

Marta highlighted that the new standard also incorporates provisions from PEFC ST 1004, Certification Body Requirements for Sustainable Forest Management Certification. “This helps ensure consistency across the full PEFC scheme,” she said. “We’re aligning the way we manage assurance, no matter what part of the PEFC framework it applies to.”

New qualification pathways for auditors

One of the key innovations is the introduction of a third qualification route for auditors conducting Project Sourcing audits. In addition to being an existing Chain of Custody auditor or undertaking a first-time qualification to become a Chain of Custody auditor, there is now a third option:

• Green building assessors with recognised credentials from systems such as LEED, BREEAM, or DGNB, who complete PEFC’s additional training in ISO 19011 auditing techniques and Project Sourcing requirements.

“This approach opens the door for collaboration between forest certification and green building professionals,” Marta explained. “It brings valuable expertise from the construction sector into our assurance system.”

PEFC will develop a dedicated training programme to support auditor qualification under the new framework. It will combine self-paced online learning with live Q&A sessions.

Clearer, smarter auditing

The new requirements bring more clarity to the audit process, introducing a risk-based approach and refined sampling models. Certification bodies will be able to determine audit intensity and depth based on project complexity and performance, with initial sampling guided by a square root model for proportional oversight.

If projects involve non-PEFC certified members conducting off-site work, certification bodies may be required to conduct on-site audits to verify compliance and maintain traceability. “It’s about keeping flexibility while safeguarding credibility,” Marta said.

Encouraging feedback through consultation

The public consultation on the PEFC Project Sourcing Standard and its Requirements for Certification Bodies is open until 23 December 2025. Certification bodies and auditors are encouraged to review the drafts and share their insights.

“This consultation is an essential step,” Marta emphasised. “Certification bodies play a crucial role in shaping how the system works in practice. Their feedback ensures we get it right.”

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