Certifications

Hanford Lumber has been FSC®-certified since 2010, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to responsible forestry and sustainable sourcing. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), established in 1993, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that sets the highest standards for responsible forest management. It ensures that forests are managed in ways that protect ecosystems, wildlife, and the communities that rely on them while balancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Certification is granted and monitored by Preferred by Nature (formerly NEPCon), an FSC-accredited body that acquired the certification unit of the Rainforest Alliance. Hanford Lumber undergoes annual audits to verify compliance, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and sustainability.

Forests certified under this program adhere to 10 core global principles, ensuring conservation, fair labor practices, and long-term sustainability. As part of our commitment to these principles, Hanford Lumber maintains a Chain of Custody (CoC) system, tracking certified products from their origin in responsibly managed forests to the final customer. This guarantees that our materials are never mixed with non-certified wood, preserving their integrity and supporting ethical forestry practices.

This certification is more than just a label—it represents a global commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. By choosing our certified materials, you directly support forest conservation, ethical sourcing, and a greener future.

For more information on certification and sustainability initiatives, visit fsc.org.

Preferred by Natureâ„¢ (formerly NEPCon) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable land management and responsible business practices that benefit people, nature, and the climate. With over 25 years of experience operating in more than 100 countries, Preferred by Nature works to drive positive environmental and social impacts across production landscapes and supply chains through certification, capacity building, and innovative sustainability solutions. They provide sustainability certification services under well-recognized schemes, ensuring that market-based sustainability instruments create real, measurable impact on the ground. With expertise in conducting over 5,000 audits annually worldwide, they help businesses meet rigorous environmental and social standards while advocating for continuous improvement in certification programs.

As a subscriber to the ISEAL Alliance, Preferred by Nature is committed to developing credible social and environmental standards. They actively contribute to eco-labeling schemes and play a role in the development and advancement of certification systems such as the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP). Additionally, they are engaged in key networks like ISEAL and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) to support global sustainability efforts.

Preferred by Nature is the FSC®-accredited body that audits Hanford Lumber’s FSC® certification, ensuring compliance with FSC®â€™s strict sustainability standards. This independent monitoring guarantees that our FSC®-certified materials meet the highest levels of environmental responsibility and supply chain integrity.

For more detailed information, please visit preferredbynature.org.

Hanford Lumber has been a proud member of the Canadian Lumbermen’s Association (CLA) since 1996.Established in 1907 and incorporated in 1931, the CLA was founded as an industry group representing manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of lumber products. Its mission has been to advocate for industry interests, uphold rights, and establish grading standards—which later became the foundation for the National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) Grading Rules. In 2009, the CLA merged with the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA), forming OFIA – The Home of CLA Grading. Today, this organization continues the CLA’s legacy by providing industry leadership, advocacy, and support to Ontario’s forest product sector.

Hanford Lumber’s membership in the CLA ensures adherence to rigorous grading standards in accordance with NLGA rules under the oversight of the CLA and the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB). This membership grants grade-stamping privileges and ensures that our lumber meets Canadian, American, and UK standard accreditation and certification requirements.

The CLA grading arm continues to function as a leading quality and inspection service. Offerings include monthly quality control audits & facility inspections, licensed lumber graders with ongoing NLGA educational updates, access to valuable grading services & business development opportunities and educational programs to uphold industry best practices

For more details on our certification and the CLA’s role in maintaining industry excellence, visit ofia.com.