Southampton - Ontario Nature, the province's leading conservation organization, presented its prestigious Corporate Award to RONA, Canada's largest distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products.

The Ontario Nature Corporate Award is given to a corporation that demonstrates outstanding leadership in the environmental field and protects the natural environment either directly through corporate policies or major initiatives, or indirectly through other undertakings that have stimulated significant environmental actions.

RONA received the Ontario Nature Corporate Award for leadership in developing a strong procurement policy for the wood products sold in its hardware and renovation stores.

RONA demonstrates a clear preference for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood products and gives purchasing preference to suppliers that share the company's commitment to sustainable forestry practices. In 2008, RONA announced that 100 percent of the lumber sold in its stores must come from eco-certified sources by the end of 2010 and, by 2012, 25 percent of this lumber must bear the FSC logo.

"Ontario Nature is extremely proud to present its Corporate Award to RONA," said Caroline Schultz, Executive Director of Ontario Nature. "RONA's innovative wood procurement initiatives will have a direct impact on the health of Canada's vital boreal forest, which is home to billions of songbirds and provincially threatened species such as the woodland caribou."

"RONA wants to play a major role in wilderness conservation as well as in the sustainability of natural resources, while supporting Canadian consumers in their efforts to adopt sustainable behaviors," said Normand Dumont, Executive Vice President, Merchandising at RONA. "Product selection is a key component by which RONA can exercise such leadership and demonstrate its desire to protect the environment. Today, we're thrilled to see our efforts recognized by Ontario Nature," he added.

The award was presented to RONA at the Bruce County Museum in Southampton during Ontario Nature's 78th Annual General Meeting and Conference.