At Resolute Forest Products, we have a strong commitment to independent, third party verification. Currently, Resolute Forest Products Ontario Woodlands Operations undergo several forms of independent auditing.
The Independent Forest Audit (IFA) is completed by a team of qualified professionals hired by the OMNR. An IFA is required every five years and is mandatory for all SFL holders in Ontario. For more information on the IFA, please visit the government's website.
In addition to the IFA, our Woodlands Operations undergo an annual independent audit to monitor compliance to our EMS. The result of this audit determines our continued registration to the ISO 14001 EMS Standard.
ISO 14001 EMS Standard provides a framework of environmental principles and objectives that go beyond legislative requirements. This environmental management system emphasizes continual improvement in environmental performance. For more information, please visit the ISO website.
In addition to ISO 14001 registration, Resolute Forest Products has also certified its forest management practices to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative* (SFI) Standard which also requires independent third party verification. Forest certification focuses on sustainable forestry practices that integrate harvesting and reforestation of trees while preserving soil, air and water quality, wildlife and plant habitat as well as aesthetics for today and into the future. In Ontario, the SFI program is managed by the Ontario SFI Implementation Committee. Please visit the SFI Ontario website for more information on the SFI standard or the Ontario SFI implementation committee.
Resolute Forest Products has certified three forest management units to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest management standards. These units are located in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, representing a total area of approximately 8 million acres (3.2 million hectares). The process to certify these areas was initiated several months ago and efforts are progressing well.
This decision builds on Resolute Forest Products existing commitments to certify 100% of its managed forests to one of the three predominant North American certification standards, including the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and (FSC). Resolute Forest Products has an inclusive approach to certification, recognizing each of these three standards.
The company recognizes the three main forest certification standards in North America For more information, see the links below:
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)