Swish Building Products has obtained certification to the new Responsible Sourcing Standard, BES 6001 details of which can be seen at the Green Book Live website. Swish became one of the first materials companies outside the aggregates industry to pass the assessment for BES6001, and did so with a “Very Good” rating. This means that Swish can now offer new build customers maximum points under the Materials section of the Code for Sustainable Homes for the responsible sourcing of fascias, cladding and skirting boards (Mat 2&3). Until now this could only be achieved by using FSC timber. However developers now have the option of specifying products that will gain them maximum CSH points as well as lasting the lifetime of the building without the need for maintenance. In addition the only evidence required for CSH assessment is the Swish BES6001 certificate. The BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing Standard looks at the Environmental, Quality, Health and Safety and other control systems that a company has in place, which includes an assessment of the care it takes in selecting its supply chain partners for their commitment to the same ethical principles. The achievement of this standard demonstrates that Swish is serious about its responsibilities to the environment, its customers and to the wider construction industry in ensuring that it sources it’s materials in a responsible and ethical manner.
