The WWF has awarded Willmott Dixon 'three trees' in its Timber Scorecard Review recognising the company's strict protocols and leadership position in ensuring its timber comes from reputable and sustainable sources.

Compiled through a review of publicly available information across a broad cross-section of companies in different sectors, the timber scorecard is a detailed review of each company’s commitment to sustainable timber procurement. It comes as use of timber from unsustainable sources creates real environmental risk and economic damage to communities.

Willmott Dixon’s Sustainable Procurement Policy stipulates that all suppliers of timber and timber products must show evidence of full compliance with obligations of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). They must also show a public commitment to minimise the risk of illegal timber from entering its supply chain and projects by only accepting timber certified to either FSC or PEFC.

Achieving the ‘Three Trees’ accolades underlines Willmott Dixon’s long-term commitment to sustainably sourced materials: the company was also one of the first to sign up to WWF’s Forest Campaign.

Julia Young, WWF-UK Global Forest and Trade Network said, “Willmott Dixon is taking the sustainability agenda by the horns and sharing clear information on their purchasing performance for timber is excellent practice. We really encourage their peer companies to do likewise – only this type of proactive approach and clear messaging to the market that timber has to be sourced responsibly will achieve the transition to a fully sustainable market. Leadership is critical so we welcome Willmott Dixons great efforts”

Group Chief Executive Rick Willmott said: “The world’s forests are shrinking fast while demand for wood is set to triple by 2050. By procuring timber and timber products from well managed sources we can be confident that our business operations are not contributing to deforestation or unsustainable harvesting. Since our sector is one of the largest consumers of timber and timber products, we have an important role in demonstrating leadership and influencing the market.”