We just got an updated materials estimate from the lumberyard we look like we’re going to be using for the project. We selected National Lumber. We will probably not order every single item from them since simple economics point to sourcing goods from multiple vendors to bring costs down. However, we are absolutely getting all of our lumber from them. Why? Because National Lumber has proven to be the only lumberyard in New England that not only offers FSC lumber (Forest Stewardship Council) but also offers Chain of Custody Certification. We need FSC certified lumber to qualify under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating program for the house to get the point for lumber.
Chain of Custody goes beyond the sales guy saying “yes we sell FSC lumber,” it creates a paper trail of certified material moving through the operation, including purchase, delivery, inventory, re-manufacturing (such as with National’s in house mill work shop) and shipment. Through FSC chain of custody, companies can demonstrate their commitment to environmentally and socially responsible forest management and label their products with the FSC trademarks. Look for this FSC logo.
What was the cost? Our last lumber estimate was in August and since prices have dropped since then the price increase for FSC lumber was mitigated by the drop in lumber prices. The original difference would have been about 15% but the NET difference for us in the budget came to a mere 2%.
So far we’re finding the cost of building green is not escalating the cost of the project, which is an important consideration in today’s economy and will be a critical element for families looking to build in the future.
Posted by: KDL
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Filed under: Green Building, LEED, Sponsors | Tagged: chain of custody, FSC lumber, Green Building | 4 Comments »
