Thursday, January 15, 2026
In an effort to better understand how PEFC certification is viewed and used in the UK construction industry, PEFC UK disclosed the start of a new research study. The study aims to determine why certain organisations opt for PEFC certification for ethical timber sourcing, while others choose not to participate in certification programs at all.
As sustainability and environmental accountability continue to shape construction procurement and design decisions, timber certification has become an increasingly important consideration. PEFC UK’s research is designed to provide a clearer picture of the factors influencing certification uptake, including awareness levels, perceived value, practical challenges, and the type of support businesses need to navigate certification requirements effectively.
The study will gather feedback from a broad cross-section of the construction industry. PEFC UK is inviting participation from architects, specifiers, engineers, developers, contractors, housebuilders, and local authorities, alongside professionals working directly within the timber supply chain. Importantly, the research is open to both PEFC-certified organisations and those without certification, ensuring that the findings reflect a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
By engaging with decision-makers and practitioners across the built environment, PEFC UK aims to identify common drivers behind certification, as well as barriers that may be preventing wider adoption. These insights will be used to refine guidance materials, improve communication strategies, and tailor support services to better align with the operational realities of construction projects.
The research will be conducted in two phases. The first stage involves an online survey designed to capture high-level trends and perspectives across the sector. Following this, selected participants will be invited to take part in short one-to-one interviews, allowing PEFC UK to explore specific issues in greater depth and gain qualitative insight into real-world challenges and opportunities.
PEFC certification plays a key role in demonstrating that timber and wood-based products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, with full chain of custody assurance. In the UK construction industry, certification is increasingly linked to compliance with environmental standards, public-sector procurement requirements, and broader net-zero and ESG commitments. However, levels of understanding and implementation vary across different parts of the sector.
Commenting on the initiative, John Kirkby, Executive Director of PEFC UK, said the research is focused on ensuring certification remains relevant and practical for construction professionals. He emphasised the importance of listening directly to those who design, specify, and build with timber, noting that their feedback will help PEFC UK deliver the right level of support and promote responsible sourcing more effectively.
The findings from the research are expected to inform future engagement with the construction industry and support PEFC UK’s ongoing role in advancing sustainable building practices. As demand for low-carbon materials grows, the insights gained could help remove barriers to certification and encourage wider adoption of responsibly sourced timber across UK construction projects.
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Tags: construction industry certification, PEFC certification, pefc uk, Responsible Timber Sourcing, sustainable building materials, Sustainable construction UK, timber supply chain UK
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