Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy Banner

Growing trees absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere than mature trees. Felling mature trees for timber and sustainably replanting maximises the forest CO2 absorption and the CO2 is locked away for the life of the timber product.

AW Champion are signatory to Timber Development UK (Formerly the TTF Timber Trade Federation and TRADA) Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP). This policy is aligned with the chain of custody certification policies of both PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) (Licence No. PEFC/16-37-034) and FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) (Licence No. FSC-C003493). AW Champion also hold a full Environmental Chain of Custody (CoC) for both  FSC® and PEFC.

Under RPP and the Environmental Chain of Custody for FSC® and  PEFC, the Company is regularly audited by third-party verification bodies. Our company's Responsible Timber Purchasing Policy is detailed here:

View Responsible Timber Purchasing Policy

 

AW Champion uses these rigorous verifications and due diligence systems to monitor suppliers of all of AW Champion’s Timber and Sheet Material products:

Packaging
We strive to reduce our packaging and waste by working closely with suppliers.
We work with an accredited agent to ensure we are compliant with Packaging & Waste regulations.
Packaging has been reduced by over 20% in the last 3 years.

Waste Management & Recycling
We continually review all areas of our branch procedures to minimise and reduce the volume of waste we produce.
New Malden, our largest site, uses a Biomass heating system. This is a renewable energy source fuelled by wood waste generated in the branch.
Our Edenbridge Mill collects and recycles wood shavings that are then used for livestock bedding.

Pollution
Our commercial fleet is entirely made up of Euro 6 standard vehicles.
The software we use provides the most efficient daily routes for our delivery vehicles.
Telematics software is used to monitor driver styles and provide coaching and guidance to ensure safe and efficient driving practices are maintained.
We are FORs Silver accredited, which involves being audited to demonstrate robust fleet management processes, including enhanced fuel efficiency measures. These measures include monitoring emissions, having relevant policies and up-to-date training.
Over half of our branch forklifts are now electric.

 

Accreditations

TDUK (Timber Development United Kingdom)

The TDUK has been supporting timber traders for over 125 years and has seen climate change become a defining feature for the government, regulators and customers. As well as supporting their members’ interests, they work to maintain and enhance timber’s sustainable reputation at a national, European and international level.

All TDUK must operate under our strict Code of Conduct. They empower their members to lead the standard of #trustedtimber by completing their Responsible Purchasing Process (RPP) due diligence system. Buying from a TDUK means buying timber you can trust.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) (Licence No. PEFC/16-37-034)

PEFC care for forests globally and locally. They work to protect forests by promoting sustainable forest management through certification. This means you can all benefit from the many products that forests provide now while ensuring these forests will be around for generations.

The PEFC chain of custody establishes the link from the forest to the market, tracking forest and tree-based products from sustainable sources to the final product. In addition, this standard includes management requirements, including health, safety and labour issues.