Canada’s forest products industry: an environmental leader
By David Lindsay
As celebrate United Nations International Day of Forests Saturday (March 21) Canada can feel proud that its forest products industry has become a world leader in environmental credentials.
For an industry that was admittedly once an environmental offender, the past few decades have been a remarkable journey.
To start, the latest statistics show that with more than 160 million hectares, Canada makes up 43 per cent of the world’s independently certified forests. This is four times more than any other country.
Certification means that companies follow progressive social and environmental forest management practices, as assessed by an independent third body. This includes prompt regeneration of the forest land, sustainable harvest levels, Aboriginal engagement, and protection of biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Besides being the world leader in certification, a Yale University study has found that Canada’s forestry regulations and laws are among the most stringent in the world.
By law, all harvested trees are regrown, ensuring forest resources will be there for future generations. Canada actually has virtually zero deforestation, with a rate of 0.02 per cent each year
The Canadian forest products industry is also making strong progress in reducing the environmental footprint of its mills, with a 70 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases since 1990.
Air pollutants are down 52 per cent and water pollutants have been reduced by 70 per cent since 2005. Toxins such as PCBs and dioxins have been eliminated, coal is no longer used, and oil use has been cut by more than 90 per cent since 2000.
Canada also recycles about 70 per cent of its paper and cardboard, making it a top global performer. Since 2005, waste going to landfills has been cut by 30 per cent.
The sector is also continuing to work with environmentalists, piloting landmark programs such as the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. This represents a paradigm shift as forest companies and environmental groups work together to integrate both environmental and economic values.
Still, the industry is actively striving to do more. Under the sector’s Vision2020, the Canadian forest products industry is aiming to further reduce its environmental footprint by 35 per cent by the end of the decade.
This is based on 12 parameters, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water use, and caribou action plans.
The Canadian forest products industry has come a long way in both its practices and its approach.
The sector realizes that being a responsible steward of the land is an essential part of its social license to operate. And the international marketplace has taken note. A 2014 Leger survey of international customers found that Canada’s forest products industry had the best environmental reputation in the world.
All in all, the industry is firmly dedicated to ‘growing a greener tomorrow”, using Canada’s renewable forests to benefit both the environment and the economy.
David Lindsay is the President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada.
