Sustainable timber to help build London 2012 as ‘green Games’

The groundbreaking plan to help ensure that all timber used on the construction project is from fully traceable legal and sustainable sources is an important part of helping make London 2012 a truly ‘green Games’.

The ODA has today started the search for up to 20 timber suppliers who will make up a dedicated 'Timber Supplier Panel'. The panel will supply up to an estimated 600,000 square metres of hardwood, softwood, plywood and other products and 40,000 metres cubed of softwood timber to the ODA's contractors and their suppliers.

The ODA also published its latest sustainability update showing that it is continuing to beat its target of reusing or recycling over 90 per cent of demolition materials on the Olympic Park site.

Chief Executive from the ODA David Higgins said: 'We want London 2012 to be a truly sustainable Games and this ambition runs through the heart of the construction project.

'A framework for the responsible sourcing of timber is unprecedented for a project of this size and scale. However, working closely with the timber and construction industries it is an opportunity to break new ground in sustainable sourcing.'

Chief Executive of the Timber Trade Federation John White said: 'As well as a showcase for sport, London 2012 can be a showcase for how cooperative business partnerships can deliver real sustainable benefits. The wood industry and the ODA have worked together to find an innovative model to supply sustainable timber for the construction of the London 2012 venues and infrastructure, which will help achieve a truly sustainable Games.'

The timber suppliers will be required to comply with certification schemes approved by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET).

The Timber Supplier Panel will help the ODA’s contractors meet these obligations in providing legal and sustainable timber by keeping records that can trace products from their source right through the supply chain to the Olympic Park site. The timber suppliers will also have to ensure that they have comprehensive certification and sufficient auditing in place to ensure standards are met.

The ODA’s update on the sustainable clean up and construction of the Olympic Park includes:

• Small nature reserve being created near the northern perimeter of the Olympic Park, along the banks of the River Lea at East Marsh, to become 10,000 metre squared home to a variety of wildlife.
• Additional habitat space created in the Waterworks Nature Reserve near Leyton, east London.
• Over 90 per cent of demolition materials being recycled or re-used
• Reclaimed materials stored to be re-used in design of venues and parklands

Notes to Editors:

The 'Timber Supplier Panel' is expected to be appointed in July 2008. The deadline for PQQ submissions is 7 April 2008.

The contract will be for four years with the option to extend the agreement for an additional 6months if it is needed for the London 2012 Games period.

For more information on the opportunity visit the London 2012 Business Network.

Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement - http://www.proforest.net/cpet

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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.

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