Emissions Trading Scheme Must Promote Benefits of Wood

A major report has confirmed that key design decisions in the development of australia’s carbon emissions trading scheme will determine if the greenhouse benefits of timber will be acknowledged.

The report Impact of Carbon Trading on Wood Products, prepared by Ms alison George from Monash university, was released today by Forest and Wood Products australia (FWPa).

While the role of forests in carbon sequestration is well recognised, the report highlights the need for further recognition of the carbon stored in harvested wood products.

Ms George’s report identifies a number of trading scheme design issues which will influence the extent to which the carbon benefits of timber are recognised. These issues include:

• Short-term compensation to high emitting industries competing with wood;
• Level of compliance with the united Nation’s Kyoto agreement rules;
• The lifespan of wood products for which carbon credits, or partial credits, will be provided;
• emission savings made when wood-based fuels are substituted for fossil fuels.

Managing Director of FWPa Dr Glen Kile said australia’s emissions trading scheme must acknowledge the superior greenhouse properties of wood products compared to competing products such as steel, concrete and aluminium.

“Growing forests absorbs carbon which is stored in the trees and in the wood products harvested from native and plantation forests.

“The manufacturing of wood products uses less energy and results in lower emissions than non-wood products such as steel, concrete and aluminium.

“Wood residues and products discarded at the end of their useful life can also be used as a carbon-neutral energy source, replacing emissions intensive fossil fuels.

“Our knowledge about carbon storage in wood products in service and in disposal is constantly improving and there is the opportunity to recognise the carbon storing benefits of wood in service in an emissions trading scheme,” Dr Kile said.

a copy of the report Impact of Carbon Trading on Wood Products is available from FWPa, and can be downloaded from the FWPa website (www.fwpa.com.au).