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Built on Trust and Transparency
At Boston Lumber, we believe that sustainability claims must be verifiable. That is why we maintain a portfolio of certifications and compliance standards that give our customers confidence in the quality, safety, and environmental integrity of every piece of reclaimed lumber we sell.
Whether you are a builder pursuing LEED certification, an architect specifying FSC-compliant materials, or a homeowner who simply wants to know their wood is safe and responsibly sourced, our certifications provide the documentation and assurance you need.
Every certification listed below is actively maintained. We provide relevant documentation with your order upon request at no additional charge. Our compliance team operates from our facility at 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155 and can be reached at info@boston-lumber.com for documentation requests and compliance inquiries.
We currently hold or align with 10 industry certifications and standards, covering environmental management, material safety, grading quality, chain of custody, and green building credit eligibility. This page provides detailed information on each certification, our compliance processes, and the benefits they deliver to your project.
Our Certifications
Each certification below is described with its full name, issuing body, scope, requirements summary, how Boston Lumber meets the standard, and the specific benefits it provides to your project.
Circular green badge featuring the LEED leaf logo with the text 'LEED Material Credit Eligible' and the USGBC seal of recognition.
LEED Material Credit Eligible
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Reclaimed lumber from Boston Lumber can contribute to multiple LEED credit categories, helping your project achieve or maintain LEED certification. Our materials have been used in projects pursuing LEED Silver, Gold, and Platinum certification across New England and beyond.
Issuing Body
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the LEED program, the most widely recognized green building certification system in the world with over 100,000 certified projects across 185 countries.
What It Certifies
LEED certifies that buildings and communities are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained using strategies aimed at improving environmental and human health performance. Reclaimed lumber directly supports multiple LEED credit categories.
Requirements Summary
Projects must earn a minimum number of points across categories including Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Reclaimed wood contributes points in the Materials and Resources category.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Boston Lumber provides complete chain-of-custody documentation, salvage source verification, material quantity reports, and pre-formatted LEED submission packages. We track regional sourcing distances to help qualify for regional materials credits and maintain detailed records of our salvage and diversion rates.
Benefits for Your Project
MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization -- sourcing of raw materials
MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Management -- diverting materials from landfills
MR Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction -- reuse of existing materials
We provide documentation including chain-of-custody records, salvage source verification, and material quantity reports to support your LEED submission
Pre-formatted LEED submission packages save your project team hours of documentation work
Regional sourcing from New England demolition sites qualifies for regional materials bonus points
FSC checkmark-tree logo on a green shield, indicating chain of custody certification for recycled and reclaimed materials.
FSC Chain of Custody
Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes responsible management of the world's forests. While FSC certification is typically associated with new wood, FSC Recycled certification applies to reclaimed and salvaged materials. Boston Lumber maintains FSC chain-of-custody tracking for eligible reclaimed products, ensuring full traceability from salvage source to your project site.
Issuing Body
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1993, promotes responsible management of the world's forests through certification and labeling programs recognized in over 80 countries.
What It Certifies
FSC Chain of Custody certification tracks forest-based products from the source to the consumer, ensuring that FSC-certified material is identified and separated from non-certified material throughout the supply chain.
Requirements Summary
Chain of custody certification requires documented tracking systems, annual audits by accredited third-party certifiers, staff training records, and segregation of certified and non-certified materials at every stage of processing.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Our facility at 37 Linden St, Medford, MA maintains segregated inventory systems that track each lot from the demolition or salvage site through de-nailing, milling, kiln drying, and final delivery. Every lot receives a unique tracking number that follows it through our entire processing workflow.
Benefits for Your Project
FSC Recycled label verifies that wood comes from reclaimed or salvaged sources
Chain-of-custody documentation tracks material from salvage source to your project
Meets requirements for FSC credit in green building certifications worldwide
Particularly valuable for commercial and institutional projects with sustainability mandates
Recognized by major green building standards including LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes
Provides competitive advantage for contractors bidding on government and institutional work
NHLA oval seal with crossed gavels, indicating compliance with national hardwood grading standards since 1898.
NHLA Grading Standards
National Hardwood Lumber Association Grading Standards
The National Hardwood Lumber Association establishes the rules for measuring and grading hardwood lumber in North America. Boston Lumber grades all hardwood inventory in accordance with NHLA standards, adapted for the unique characteristics of reclaimed wood. Our grading team has over 40 combined years of experience evaluating both new and reclaimed hardwoods.
Issuing Body
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), established in 1898, is the authority for hardwood lumber grading rules in North America. NHLA standards are used by mills, distributors, and buyers across the continent to ensure consistent quality.
What It Certifies
NHLA grading standards establish uniform rules for measuring and grading hardwood lumber, including species identification, board foot measurement, and grade classifications from FAS (First and Second) through No. 3 Common.
Requirements Summary
NHLA grading requires trained inspectors who evaluate each board for clear face cuttings, defects, minimum board size, and species accuracy. Grades range from FAS (highest) through No. 3 Common, with specific yield percentages required for each grade.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
All hardwood entering our facility is inspected and graded by trained staff familiar with both NHLA standard rules and the unique considerations of reclaimed stock. We developed our own reclaimed grading addendum that accounts for nail holes, patina, checks, and other character marks typical of salvaged wood, providing customers with accurate expectations for yield and appearance.
Benefits for Your Project
All hardwood is graded using NHLA-standard FAS, Select, No. 1 Common, No. 2 Common, and No. 3 Common designations
Board foot measurements follow NHLA rules for accurate, consistent volume calculations
Species identification is verified by trained graders familiar with both new and reclaimed stock
Our reclaimed grading addendum accounts for nail holes, patina, and character marks that are typical of salvaged wood
Consistent grading means you can order with confidence, knowing exactly what grade you will receive
Grade certificates are provided with every shipment for your records and project documentation
EPA compliance seal featuring the EPA flower logo with text confirming adherence to federal environmental protection regulations.
EPA Compliance
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Compliance
Boston Lumber maintains full compliance with EPA regulations governing the handling, processing, and sale of reclaimed building materials. This includes lead paint testing for pre-1978 structures, asbestos awareness protocols, and proper waste disposal for materials that do not meet our quality standards. Our compliance program is overseen by a dedicated environmental safety manager.
Issuing Body
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment through the enforcement of regulations covering air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, and chemical safety.
What It Certifies
EPA compliance encompasses regulations governing lead paint testing (RRP Rule for pre-1978 structures), asbestos awareness (AHERA and NESHAP), dust and emissions controls, hazardous waste disposal, and environmental testing and documentation requirements.
Requirements Summary
Reclaimed lumber operations must comply with the EPA RRP Rule (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) for lead paint, NESHAP regulations for asbestos, RCRA for waste disposal, and state-specific environmental regulations. Documentation of testing, handling procedures, and disposal records must be maintained.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Every lot of reclaimed lumber entering our facility is assessed for potential hazardous material exposure based on the age and history of the source structure. Lumber from pre-1978 buildings is tested for lead-based paint using XRF analysis. Our processing facility maintains dust collection systems, emissions controls, and a waste management program that meets or exceeds EPA requirements. All testing records are archived for a minimum of 10 years.
Benefits for Your Project
All reclaimed lumber from structures built before 1978 is tested for lead-based paint contamination
Proper handling and disposal protocols for any hazardous materials encountered during salvage operations
Dust and emissions controls in our processing facility meet or exceed EPA requirements
We maintain records of source building age, location, and environmental testing results for full traceability
Lead and hazmat testing reports are provided with applicable orders at no additional cost
Peace of mind that your reclaimed lumber is safe for interior residential and commercial use
IPPC wheat-ear logo with 'HT' designation stamp, confirming heat treatment compliance for international phytosanitary standards.
ISPM 15 Heat Treatment
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 -- Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade
The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) requires wood packaging and timber to be heat treated to eliminate pests. Boston Lumber's kiln drying process meets ISPM 15 requirements, ensuring our reclaimed lumber is free of insects, larvae, and pathogens. This is essential for both domestic use and any products crossing international borders.
Issuing Body
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), administered through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, develops and oversees ISPM 15 to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases through wood materials in international trade.
What It Certifies
ISPM 15 certifies that wood materials have been treated to eliminate pests through approved methods including heat treatment (HT) to a core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes, or methyl bromide fumigation (MB). Heat treatment is the preferred method.
Requirements Summary
Wood must reach a core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius (133 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. The treatment facility must be audited and approved, and treated wood must be marked with the IPPC compliance stamp including the country code, producer number, and treatment code (HT).
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Our kiln facility at 37 Linden St, Medford, MA is equipped with computer-controlled kilns that monitor core temperature throughout the drying cycle using embedded thermocouples. Every kiln charge is documented with time-temperature logs that demonstrate compliance with the 56 C / 30 minute minimum. We exceed the standard by running extended cycles that also bring moisture content to optimal levels for interior and exterior applications.
Benefits for Your Project
All kiln-dried lumber reaches a core temperature of 133 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius) for a minimum of 30 minutes
Eliminates insects, larvae, fungi, and other organisms that may be present in reclaimed wood
Required for any wood products crossing international borders
Provides peace of mind that your reclaimed lumber is clean, safe, and ready for interior use
Time-temperature documentation available for every kiln charge upon request
Extended kiln cycles also optimize moisture content for dimensional stability in your application
SFI tree-and-circle logo in green, indicating alignment with Sustainable Forestry Initiative principles for responsible procurement.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Principles
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standards and Principles
While SFI certification primarily applies to forest management and fiber sourcing, Boston Lumber aligns with SFI's principles of responsible procurement, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Our reclaimed lumber operations inherently support SFI's goal of reducing pressure on standing forests by providing a direct alternative to newly harvested timber.
Issuing Body
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization that maintains the SFI Forest Management Standard, the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard, and the SFI Chain of Custody Standard. SFI is one of the largest forest certification programs in the world.
What It Certifies
SFI certification covers responsible forest management, fiber sourcing, and chain of custody. The standards promote sustainable forestry practices, conservation of biodiversity, protection of water quality, and responsible procurement of forest-based materials.
Requirements Summary
SFI standards require demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices, including responsible procurement policies, environmental management systems, community engagement, and transparent reporting of environmental performance metrics.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Boston Lumber's core business model directly advances SFI's goals. Every board foot of reclaimed lumber we sell is one board foot not harvested from a living forest. We track and report environmental metrics including trees saved, landfill diversion tonnage, and carbon offset equivalents. We engage the community through educational workshops and partnerships with local trade schools.
Benefits for Your Project
Every board foot of reclaimed lumber we sell is one board foot that does not need to be harvested from a living forest
We track and report our environmental impact, including estimated trees saved and landfill diversion
Community engagement through educational workshops on reclaimed wood and sustainable building
Transparent supply chain from demolition site to customer, with full source documentation
Annual environmental impact report available to customers documenting our sustainability performance
Supports your project's sustainability narrative with verifiable environmental metrics
PEFC double-tree logo with circular endorsement ring, indicating chain of custody compliance for recycled forest-based materials.
PEFC Chain of Custody
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Chain of Custody
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is the world's largest forest certification system. Boston Lumber's reclaimed lumber qualifies under PEFC's recycled material category, and we maintain chain-of-custody procedures consistent with PEFC requirements. This provides an additional layer of international credibility for projects that specify PEFC-compliant materials.
Issuing Body
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is the world's largest forest certification system, with over 300 million hectares of certified forests across 55 national certification systems. PEFC provides an assurance mechanism for buyers seeking sustainably sourced wood products.
What It Certifies
PEFC Chain of Custody certification verifies that forest-based products can be traced back to sustainably managed forests or verified recycled sources. The certification applies to all organizations in the supply chain, from forest to final product.
Requirements Summary
PEFC chain of custody requires a documented management system for tracking certified and recycled materials, including physical separation or percentage-based methods, staff training, annual internal audits, and third-party certification audits.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Our inventory management system tracks each lot of reclaimed lumber from acquisition through processing and delivery, consistent with PEFC chain-of-custody requirements. Our recycled material documentation demonstrates that 100% of our stock comes from reclaimed or salvaged sources, qualifying under PEFC's recycled content provisions.
Benefits for Your Project
International recognition for projects with global sustainability standards requirements
Recycled material documentation supporting PEFC compliance for reclaimed wood products
Chain-of-custody tracking consistent with PEFC requirements from source to delivery
Valuable for projects seeking multiple certification pathways including LEED, BREEAM, and DGNB
Strengthens project sustainability credentials for clients with European or multinational operations
Compatible with public procurement policies that require certified or recycled wood products
USGBC membership badge with the green building council logo, indicating active organizational membership and commitment to green building.
USGBC Membership
U.S. Green Building Council Member Organization
As a USGBC member organization, Boston Lumber is directly connected to the green building community. Our membership gives us early access to evolving LEED standards, participation in regional green building initiatives, and the ability to support our customers with current, accurate guidance on how reclaimed lumber fits into their green building certification strategies.
Issuing Body
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization committed to a sustainable and prosperous future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. Membership includes over 13,000 organizations across the building industry.
What It Certifies
USGBC membership signifies an organization's commitment to green building practices and sustainable development. Member organizations have access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and the ability to participate in the development of LEED standards and other green building programs.
Requirements Summary
USGBC membership requires an organizational commitment to green building principles, annual dues, and participation in the USGBC community. Members must maintain standards consistent with USGBC's mission of market transformation toward sustainability.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Boston Lumber has been an active USGBC member since our founding. We participate in regional chapter events, contribute to educational programming on reclaimed materials, and maintain current knowledge of LEED credit requirements as they evolve. Our team attends annual Greenbuild conferences and stays current on code changes that affect reclaimed material specifications.
Benefits for Your Project
Direct access to current LEED credit guidance for reclaimed materials
Networking connections to green builders, architects, and sustainability consultants in New England
Early awareness of evolving green building standards that may affect material specifications
Educational resources on integrating reclaimed wood into green building projects
Referral network connecting you with LEED-accredited professionals for your project
Support for LEED documentation and credit calculations at no additional charge
Cradle to Cradle infinity loop logo in gold and green, symbolizing the continuous cycle of material recovery and reuse.
Cradle to Cradle Design Principles
Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard Alignment
Reclaimed lumber is the embodiment of Cradle to Cradle design philosophy: existing materials are recovered, restored, and returned to productive use rather than being discarded. Boston Lumber aligns with Cradle to Cradle principles across all five assessment categories, demonstrating that our products represent the highest form of material reutilization in the building products industry.
Issuing Body
The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute administers the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard, a multi-attribute certification that assesses products across five categories of sustainability performance: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.
What It Certifies
Cradle to Cradle certification evaluates products for their safety to humans and the environment, design for future life cycles, and responsible manufacturing practices. It moves beyond traditional sustainability to assess products as biological or technical 'nutrients' that can be perpetually cycled.
Requirements Summary
Cradle to Cradle assessment covers material health (safe ingredients), material reutilization (designed for recovery and reuse), renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness throughout the supply chain.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Our products inherently satisfy the material reutilization requirement at the highest level, as 100% of our inventory is recovered from existing structures. We use non-toxic kiln treatments and finishes, operate energy-efficient processing equipment, manage water responsibly in our facility, and maintain fair labor practices throughout our operations. Our reclaimed lumber represents a closed-loop material cycle that exemplifies C2C philosophy.
Benefits for Your Project
Reclaimed lumber represents the highest form of material reutilization -- 100% recovered content
No virgin resource extraction required, eliminating upstream environmental impacts entirely
Non-toxic processing and finishing options available for health-conscious projects
Supports circular economy principles valued by sustainability-focused clients and end users
Strong narrative value for projects seeking to communicate environmental commitment
Aligns with Living Building Challenge, WELL Building Standard, and other advanced certification frameworks
ISO 14001 certification mark with the ISO globe logo, indicating alignment with international environmental management system standards.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Alignment
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems -- Requirements with Guidance for Use
Boston Lumber maintains an environmental management system aligned with ISO 14001:2015 standards. This systematic approach ensures we continually assess, manage, and improve the environmental impacts of our operations -- from timber salvage and transportation through processing, storage, and delivery. Our EMS framework drives measurable year-over-year improvements in our environmental performance.
Issuing Body
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops and publishes international standards. ISO 14001 is part of the ISO 14000 family of standards related to environmental management, used by over 300,000 organizations in 171 countries worldwide.
What It Certifies
ISO 14001 certification verifies that an organization has implemented an effective environmental management system (EMS) that systematically manages its environmental responsibilities, reduces waste, improves resource efficiency, and demonstrates continual improvement in environmental performance.
Requirements Summary
ISO 14001 requires an environmental policy, planning for environmental aspects and legal compliance, implementation of operational controls, monitoring and measurement of environmental performance, management review, and a commitment to continual improvement.
How Boston Lumber Meets This Standard
Our environmental management system includes documented environmental policies, identified environmental aspects and impacts, operational controls for dust, emissions, and waste, monitoring of key performance indicators, regular management reviews, and annual improvement targets. We track metrics including energy consumption, waste generation, recycling rates, and carbon emissions from our operations.
Benefits for Your Project
Systematic environmental management ensures consistent quality and environmental performance
Documented policies and procedures provide transparency into our operational practices
Continual improvement targets mean our environmental performance gets better every year
Environmental performance data available for customers with reporting requirements
Recognized by international procurement standards and institutional sustainability programs
Demonstrates our commitment beyond compliance to genuine environmental leadership
Our Chain of Custody Process
Every piece of reclaimed lumber in our inventory is traceable from its source structure through our facility and into your project. Here is how our chain of custody works from start to finish.
Source Identification
When a structure is slated for demolition or renovation, we document the building's location, age, construction type, and environmental history. This information becomes the foundation of the chain-of-custody record for all materials salvaged from that site.
Salvage & Inspection
Timber is carefully extracted, de-nailed, and inspected on site. Each lot is assigned a unique tracking number that links it to the source documentation. Materials that do not meet our quality or safety standards are separated and disposed of properly.
Processing & Grading
At our Medford facility, lumber is kiln dried, milled to specification, and graded. The tracking number follows each lot through every processing step. Moisture content readings, grade designations, and species verification are added to the chain-of-custody record.
Documentation & Delivery
When your order ships, we compile the complete chain-of-custody package: source information, processing records, grade certificates, moisture content reports, and any applicable environmental testing results. This package is available in print and digital formats.
Audit Schedule & Compliance Calendar
We maintain a rigorous schedule of internal and external audits to ensure our certifications remain current and our processes continue to meet or exceed requirements. Our compliance calendar is reviewed quarterly and updated as standards evolve.
Customers who require specific audit documentation or compliance verification for their projects can request our most recent audit summaries by emailing info@boston-lumber.com. We are committed to full transparency in our compliance practices.
FSC Chain of Custody
ISPM 15 Heat Treatment
NHLA Grading Standards
EPA Compliance
ISO 14001 EMS
PEFC Chain of Custody
Documentation We Provide
Available upon request with every order at no additional cost
Chain of Custody Records
Complete documentation tracing each lot of reclaimed lumber from its salvage source through processing to delivery. Includes source building information, salvage date, and processing records.
Environmental Impact Reports
Quantified data on the environmental benefits of your reclaimed lumber purchase, including estimated trees saved, CO2 emissions avoided, and landfill diversion tonnage. Calculated using our impact methodology based on CORRIM and EPA data.
Grade Certificates
Detailed grading documentation for each lot, including species verification, grade designation, moisture content readings, and any relevant notes about the stock's character and condition. Follows NHLA standards adapted for reclaimed wood.
Moisture Content Reports
Pin-type and pinless meter readings for every lot, including pre- and post-kiln-drying measurements. Confirms your lumber meets the specified moisture content targets for your application, whether interior (6-8%) or exterior (12-15%).
Lead & Hazmat Testing
For lumber salvaged from pre-1978 structures, we provide lead paint and hazardous material test results using XRF analysis. All tested lumber is clearly marked with pass/fail status and test date. Records are archived for 10+ years.
LEED Submission Support
Pre-formatted documentation packages designed to streamline your LEED credit submission process. Includes material cost calculations, salvage percentage verification, regional sourcing data, and credit-by-credit documentation organized per LEED v4.1 requirements.
Species Verification Reports
Documented species identification for every lot, verified by trained graders with experience in both new and reclaimed hardwoods and softwoods. Critical for projects where species specification is architecturally or structurally significant.
Kiln Drying Certificates
Time-temperature logs from our computer-controlled kilns documenting the full drying cycle for each lot. Confirms ISPM 15 compliance (core temp 56 C / 30 min minimum) and target moisture content achievement. Includes pre- and post-kiln moisture readings.
Source Building History
Background information on the structure from which your lumber was salvaged, including building age, location, construction type, and historical significance where applicable. Adds provenance value to your reclaimed material and enriches the story of your project.
How to Request Certification Documentation
Getting the documentation you need is straightforward. We understand that compliance documentation is often time-sensitive, especially for LEED submissions and building permit applications. Our team aims to fulfill documentation requests within 2 business days.
Tell Us What You Need
When placing your order, specify which certifications or documentation packages you require. If you are unsure, our team will recommend the appropriate documents based on your project type.
We Prepare Your Package
Our compliance team assembles the requested documentation, pulling from our chain-of-custody records, grading reports, testing archives, and environmental impact data specific to your order.
Delivery with Your Order
Documentation is delivered digitally (PDF) and can also be provided in print upon request. LEED submission packages are formatted to integrate directly into your LEED Online project.
Request Documentation
Email us at info@boston-lumber.com with the following information and we will prepare your documentation package:
- Your order number or quote reference
- Which certifications or documents you need
- Your project name and location
- The green building certification you are pursuing (if applicable)
- Your submission deadline (so we can prioritize accordingly)
- Preferred format (digital PDF, print, or both)
Boston Lumber, 37 Linden St, Medford, MA 02155
Email: info@boston-lumber.com
LEED Credit Calculator Guide
Reclaimed lumber from Boston Lumber can contribute to multiple LEED v4.1 credit categories. Use this guide to estimate the LEED points your reclaimed lumber purchase could earn for your project.
MR Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction
Reuse of existing building materials, including structural and non-structural components. Reclaimed lumber directly qualifies as reused material, reducing the building's lifecycle environmental impact.
How to Qualify
Document the percentage of the project's total material cost that comes from reused materials. Higher percentages earn more points. Boston Lumber provides material cost documentation to support this calculation.
MR Credit: BPDO -- Sourcing of Raw Materials
Rewards the use of products that have been sourced in a responsible manner, including recycled content, salvaged materials, and products with environmental product declarations.
How to Qualify
Demonstrate that reclaimed lumber meets the criteria for salvaged materials. We provide source documentation and chain of custody records that verify the salvaged origin of our products.
MR Credit: C&D Waste Management
Recognizes the diversion of construction and demolition waste from landfills through reuse, recycling, and recovery programs. Using reclaimed lumber demonstrates material recovery from demolition sites.
How to Qualify
Document the tonnage of material diverted from landfills. Boston Lumber provides weight calculations and diversion documentation for all reclaimed stock sold.
MR Credit: BPDO -- Material Ingredients
Rewards the use of products for which the chemical ingredients are inventoried and assessed for health and environmental impacts. Natural, untreated reclaimed wood has a simple, transparent material composition.
How to Qualify
We provide material composition documentation confirming the natural origin of our reclaimed lumber and any finishes or treatments applied during processing.
EQ Credit: Low-Emitting Materials
Promotes the use of materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to improve indoor air quality. Aged, kiln-dried reclaimed lumber has extremely low VOC emissions compared to newly manufactured wood products.
How to Qualify
Reclaimed lumber that has been kiln dried and finished with low-VOC or no-VOC products qualifies. We can specify finish options that meet LEED low-emitting material requirements.
Regional Priority Credits
Bonus points for achieving credits that address regionally important environmental issues. In the Northeast, materials sourcing and embodied carbon are common regional priorities.
How to Qualify
Our reclaimed lumber is sourced regionally from New England demolition sites. We provide distance calculations to demonstrate regional sourcing compliance for your project location.
Need a Custom LEED Credit Estimate?
Send your project details to info@boston-lumber.com and our team will provide a free, no-obligation estimate of the LEED credits your reclaimed lumber purchase could contribute to. Include your approximate board footage, species, and the LEED credits you are targeting. We typically respond within 2 business days.
Green Building Codes by State
Green building requirements vary by state across the Northeast. Here is how reclaimed lumber fits into the green building codes and programs in the states we primarily serve.
Massachusetts
MA Stretch Energy CodeThe MA Stretch Energy Code is an optional appendix to the base building energy code that municipalities can adopt. Over 300 MA communities have adopted the Stretch Code, which increases energy efficiency requirements. Reclaimed lumber supports Stretch Code compliance by reducing embodied energy in building materials.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Reclaimed wood reduces embodied carbon, supporting the new MA Specialized Opt-in Code (2023) which introduces embodied carbon reporting for commercial buildings over 20,000 sq ft.
Connecticut
CT Public Act 22-25 -- Green Building StandardsConnecticut requires state-funded building projects over $5 million to achieve LEED Silver or equivalent. The state also has a Green Building Council that promotes sustainable materials. Reclaimed lumber can contribute to LEED credits required for state project compliance.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Reclaimed materials earn points in Materials and Resources credits, helping projects meet state-mandated LEED Silver thresholds for public buildings.
New York
NYC Local Law 97 -- Carbon Emissions LimitsLocal Law 97 sets carbon emissions caps for buildings over 25,000 sq ft in New York City, with penalties beginning in 2024. The law drives demand for low-carbon building materials. Reclaimed lumber has near-zero embodied carbon compared to new lumber, making it an attractive choice for LL97 compliance.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Specifying reclaimed lumber reduces whole-building embodied carbon calculations, helping owners avoid fines of $268 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent over the building's emissions limit.
Rhode Island
RI Green Buildings Act (RIGL 37-24)Rhode Island's Green Buildings Act requires new state construction and major renovations over $5 million to meet LEED Silver standards. The state also offers tax incentives for green building certification. Reclaimed lumber contributes to the Materials and Resources credits needed for LEED compliance.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Tax credits of up to 10% of the cost of green building features are available in RI, and reclaimed materials contribute directly to the LEED points required to qualify.
New Hampshire
NH Energy Code (RSA 155-A)New Hampshire's building energy code follows the IECC with state amendments. While NH does not mandate green building certification, the state's Building Energy Conservation Standards encourage energy-efficient and sustainable construction practices. Several NH municipalities have adopted additional sustainability requirements.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Reclaimed lumber supports voluntary green building initiatives in NH communities and is recognized by the NH Home Builders Association as a sustainable material choice.
Vermont
VT Act 250 -- Environmental ReviewVermont's Act 250 provides a statewide environmental review for large development projects. The review considers impacts on natural resources, air and water quality, and aesthetics. Using reclaimed building materials demonstrates environmental responsibility that can strengthen Act 250 applications.
Reclaimed Lumber Benefit
Projects using reclaimed materials demonstrate reduced environmental impact, supporting favorable findings under Act 250 Criterion 1 (Air/Water Pollution), Criterion 8 (Aesthetics), and Criterion 9 (Natural Areas).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our certifications, compliance documentation, and how reclaimed lumber fits into green building projects.
Q1How do I request certification documentation for my order?
Simply mention your documentation needs when placing your order or email us at info@boston-lumber.com. We provide chain-of-custody records, grade certificates, moisture content reports, environmental impact reports, and lead/hazmat testing results at no additional charge. For LEED submissions, let us know early so we can prepare your pre-formatted documentation package to align with your submission timeline.
Q2Does Boston Lumber's reclaimed lumber qualify for LEED credits?
Yes. Reclaimed lumber from Boston Lumber can contribute to multiple LEED v4.1 credit categories, including MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (sourcing of raw materials), MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Management (diversion), and MR Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction (reuse). We provide all documentation needed for your LEED submission, including material cost calculations, salvage source verification, and regional sourcing data.
Q3What is the difference between FSC and PEFC certification?
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are both internationally recognized forest certification systems. FSC is more widely specified in the United States, while PEFC is the larger system globally. Both recognize reclaimed and recycled wood products. Boston Lumber maintains chain-of-custody procedures consistent with both systems, so your project can claim compliance regardless of which system is specified.
Q4How do you handle potentially hazardous materials in reclaimed wood?
All reclaimed lumber from structures built before 1978 is tested for lead-based paint using XRF analysis. We follow EPA RRP Rule protocols for handling and documenting any positive results. Lumber that tests positive is either remediated through safe removal processes or rejected from our inventory. We also maintain asbestos awareness protocols per NESHAP regulations. Complete testing records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years and are available with your order documentation.
Q5How often are your certifications audited?
Our certifications follow different audit schedules. FSC chain-of-custody undergoes annual third-party audits. Our ISPM 15 kiln treatment compliance is verified through continuous temperature logging and periodic inspections. NHLA grading standards are maintained through ongoing staff training and periodic quality reviews. Our ISO 14001-aligned environmental management system undergoes annual internal audits and management reviews. We maintain audit records and are happy to share our compliance history upon request.
Q6Can I get a LEED credit estimate before placing an order?
Yes. Send us your project details including the approximate board footage, species, and the LEED credit categories you are targeting. Our team will provide a preliminary credit estimate showing which credits your reclaimed lumber purchase could contribute to and the approximate point value. This estimate is provided at no charge and can help your project team during the design phase. Email info@boston-lumber.com with your project specifications.
Q7Do your certifications apply to all species you carry?
Our ISPM 15 heat treatment, EPA compliance, and environmental management system apply to all species in our inventory. NHLA grading standards apply specifically to hardwoods (oak, maple, cherry, walnut, ash, etc.). FSC and PEFC chain-of-custody tracking applies to all reclaimed stock where source documentation is available. LEED credit eligibility applies to all reclaimed species regardless of type. If you have a specific certification requirement for your project, contact us and we will confirm coverage for your selected species.
Q8What documentation do I need for a green building code compliance project?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and code. For Massachusetts Stretch Code projects, you will typically need material sourcing documentation and embodied carbon data. For NYC Local Law 97 compliance, embodied carbon calculations and material source verification are important. For state-mandated LEED projects (CT, RI), you will need the full LEED documentation package. Contact us with your specific project location and code requirements, and we will prepare the appropriate documentation package.