Considering sustainable public procurement as a lever for the promotion of local wood

The CaSCo project aims to encourage the sustainable use of wood resources, particularly for the construction and energy sectors, by making better use of local resources, while reducing emissions from operations and transport. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop low-carbon tools for decision-makers, particularly public decision-makers.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, using wood for buildings is a common practice, both for cultural and environmental reasons. However, the used wood is not necessarily local wood, despite being an important resource of the region. The reasons for this are the following: constraints on the exit of logs from the forest, a very crumbled parcel of land and an insufficiently structured sector. Nevertheless, the forestry sector is key in the region, as it provides jobs and creates value.

Acting both on offer and demand

The actions of the CaSCo project are structured upon two axis:

• on the demand side, through the production of guides related to the sustainable public procurement of wood resources and providing training for local authorities; also, the development of assessment tools for the identification, verification and supply of local and sustainable resources;
• and on the supply side, in cooperation with business networks and organisations focused on the development of a sustainable and local wood production.

 As a partner in the project, AURA-EE works in collaboration with Fibois Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Cap Rural and the Regional Union of Forest Municipalities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

[Updated: July 2019]