HPM

SPECIAL TO WEST HAWAII TODAY

HPM Building Supply is one the first companies in the state to receive Forest Steward Council, or FSC, “Chain of Custody” certification, which means the company meets international standards for ensuring that products it sells as FSC-certified come from well-managed forests.

Not only can HPM provide FSC-certified framing lumber and plywood, but it can manufacture trusses that meet FSC requirements, as well. HPM can also work with customers to provide any FSC materials they require for a specific project.

“HPM recognizes its responsibility to promote sustainability within the immediate and extended environment,” said HPM President Mike Fujimoto. “HPM also understands that many of our customers share similar concerns regarding supporting a ‘greener’ environment. Our ability to offer FSC material allows us to provide our customers with product that is independently certified to have originated from a responsibly managed forest.”

The process of obtaining certification started with an external audit, in which HPM documented its processes as they relate to the purchasing, storage/handling and delivering of FSC material, in order to guarantee that the material being delivered truly is FSC material. HPM employees have been trained on managing FSC material orders and inventory to ensure compliance with FSC requirements.

For customers working on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification for their products, FSC-certified lumber and manufactured trusses may qualify for points toward accreditation. LEED certification is a Green Building Standard developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The federal government, along with many local and state governments — including Hawaii’s — now requires certain types of buildings to meet LEED requirements. In general terms, LEED certification measures how “green” a project is.

“FSC-certified materials support responsible forestry practices not only for protection of the natural resources themselves,” said HPM Purchase Manager Travis Lund, “but for the social and economical well being of the communities/indigenous people surrounding the forested areas, as well.”

FSC Chain of Custody certification is granted through Scientific Certification Systems, which is accredited by the FSC to certify companies to its own international standards.

Scientific Certification Systems is an independent third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability, food quality and food purity claims.