Introduction
This EY FSC Impact Calculator works out the different impacts on forests that using FSC-certified tropical timber and non-FSC certified tropical timber would have. The main assumptions in the scientific model underlying this tool are that harvesting timber in a FSC-certified forest causes negligible loss in biodiversity, and the net emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from harvested timber in the forest is almost zero due to regeneration of the forest. On the other hand, for tropical timber of unknown origin it is assumed that the timber originates from conversion (forest replaced by agricultural crop), in which case all biodiversity is lost and all locked-in carbon is released. The outcome of the tool is expressed in euros using the eco-costs model developed at the Delft University of Technology. This model calculates the (additional) costs to be incurred by society to maintain environmental impacts at a sustainable level. For more information, see www.fsc.nl/impact.
To use this tool, please choose the timber species and the quantity used in your project. The output (in a pdf-document) will enable you to communicate about the positive impact of FSC-certified tropical timber.
Disclaimer
This tool is a first step in quantifying the positive impact on biodiversity and carbon of FSC forest management, compared to timber of unknown origin. The outcome of the tool is based on existing scientific information, databases and studies. When - in the future - more, better and/or more complete studies are published on these topics, they can be incorporated in the tool. No rights can be derived from the tool and calculated impacts.