SASB Forestry Management
SASB
SASB Forestry ensures sustainable forest management practices.
The SASB Forestry Management costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific sustainability disclosure metrics tailored to forestry operations
- Developed by a globally recognized ESG standards body (now part of IFRS Foundation)
- Enables comparability across forestry companies for investors and analysts
- Aligns with global sustainability goals including biodiversity and climate targets
- Supports regulatory compliance and voluntary ESG reporting frameworks
- Backed by broad stakeholder input including investors, companies, and NGOs
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for forestry companies, paper and pulp manufacturers, and wood product suppliers that need to report ESG metrics to investors and stakeholders. It is particularly valuable for publicly traded companies or those seeking to align with global sustainability disclosure frameworks and demonstrate responsible forest stewardship.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The SASB Forestry Management program focuses on assessing and guiding sustainable practices within the forestry industry. It originated to address environmental concerns and enhance transparency and accountability. SASB provides standards for companies to report on factors like deforestation, biodiversity impact, and greenhouse gas emissions. These standards help organizations align with global sustainability goals and improve their forest management.
Historically, sustainable forestry management gained traction as a response to the rapid loss of forest cover and biodiversity. Key clients of the SASB Forestry standards include major forestry companies, paper manufacturers, and wood product suppliers. Partnerships with environmental organizations, governmental bodies, and other sustainability standards like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) enhance the program’s impact.
Certification is essential for organizations to demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices. Detailed management practices and data reporting form the basis of this certification, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting responsible industry practices. The program offers a structured path for organizations to meet regulatory and market expectations while promoting forest conservation and responsible stewardship.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations are required to disclose quantitative and qualitative data aligned with SASB's Forestry Management industry standard metrics, covering topics such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use and ecological impacts, wood fiber sourcing, and supply chain management. No formal third-party audit is mandated by SASB itself, though companies may choose to have disclosures independently assured.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process mandated by SASB for the Forestry Management standard. Organizations self-report against the defined disclosure topics and accounting metrics. Companies may voluntarily engage third-party assurance providers to verify the accuracy of their disclosures, but this is not required by SASB itself.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards are periodically reviewed and updated by the IFRS Foundation (which absorbed SASB in 2022). Organizations are expected to align their disclosures with the most current version of the standard. There is no formal renewal cycle or recertification fee; companies simply update their annual disclosures in line with any revised metrics.
Accountability Model
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations seeking a product-level or forest-unit certification (e.g., chain-of-custody or sustainable timber labeling) should consider FSC or PEFC instead, as SASB standards focus on corporate-level disclosure rather than on-the-ground forest certification. Companies with no investor reporting obligations or ESG disclosure requirements may find the standard less immediately applicable.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
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