Newsletter Stories


Wednesday, 15 March 2023
2023 FSC Leadership Awards Open for Nominations


Biodiversity is the variety of life that allows humanity to thrive. It is the very foundation of our economy and lives. But we’re losing this biodiversity at an alarming rate, threatening life as we know it. The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report - 2022 reveals an average decline of 69% of global species since 1970, with land-use change being the biggest driver of biodiversity loss. Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial wildlife and plant species.

The World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Risks Report goes on to identify biodiversity loss as the third most severe risk on a global scale over the next 10 years. Healthy, responsibly managed forests support biodiversity, maintain water quality, sequester carbon for long periods of time, and produce vast quantities of oxygen.

A study conducted by the WWF in Madre de Dios, Peru, showed that ‘concessions certified by the Forest Stewardship Council have a greater richness of species such as amphibians, insects, and monkeys than non-FSC logging concessions…[and] surveys found that densities of large and medium sized animals in FSC-certified logging concessions were similar to or even higher than protected areas.’

As such, responsible forest management is a fundamental tool to enhance biodiversity and safeguard our planet for future generations. Now is the time for companies driving responsible forestry practices to highlight their good work and inspire others to take action.

To recognize organizations and individuals demonstrating leadership around responsible forest management, FSC US offers the FSC Leadership Awards.

We are pleased to announce the opening of the 2023 FSC Leadership Awards nomination process. The awards recognize excellence in the use of FSC-certified products, materials, and commitment to responsible forest management across industries, as well as in advocacy, conservation and individual leadership in the FSC community.

This year we’re offering a new category for companies and organizations outside of North America:

  • North American Market Connections – Companies and organizations selling FSC-certified products into North American markets

In addition, we will continue offering awards in the following categories for people, projects and organizations in Canada, Mexico and the United States:

  • Design & Build – a commercial, institutional, mixed-use or residential real estate development, or furniture or other product design completed in 2020, 2021 or 2022 and utilizing at least 50% FSC-certified materials for wood products
  • FSC-certified company or organization – Current FSC certificate holder
  • FSC trademark license holder – Current trademark license holder
  • Nonprofit organization - Partnership or shared goal with the Forest Stewardship Council
  • Uncommon partnership – A campaign, event, or project that your company or organization completed in tandem with another company or organization brought about by your common interest in FSC and responsible forest management
  • Individual champion – An individual who has exemplified extraordinary leadership in innovating and advancing FSC and responsible forest management

In 2022, 1 DeHaro won a Leadership Award for being the first mass timber building in San Francisco to use CLT (cross-laminated timber) and the first multi-story building of its type in California. Built in partnership between SKS Partners, Perkins&Will, Nordic Structures, and DCI Engineers, 100% of the wood used was FSC-certified.

Says Lee Ishida, Senior Project Manager, SKS Partners, “The material choice allows aspirations, character, and sustainability to combine holistically to create a built environment that looks and feels good.”

Another 2022 winner, Melissa & Doug, the #1 preschool brand for sustainable and wooden toys, has a longstanding commitment to "making timeless, sustainable toys for a thriving and inclusive world.” It is on track to achieve its commitment to ensure 100% of paper products and more than half of its wood products sold are FSC certified by 2025. The company even accelerated that goal by producing all paper and top-selling wood products in 2022 as FSC certified. Bridgette Miller, Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at Melissa & Doug, states, "We envision a world where children have access to both thriving forests and high-quality wooden toys."

Selection Process
You are encouraged to submit your own project or organization, or to nominate another. FSC will select winners based on the applications received.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 8, 2023. Winners will be notified and announced in mid-October 2023.

Click here to learn more and apply for a 2023 Leadership Award

Need inspiration & more information? Check out the previous FSC Leadership Award winners on our website. If you have any questions, please email info@us.fsc.org.