EU debates carbon accountancy for forestry & timber sectors

The Environment Council of the European Commission has held further debate over recognition and inclusion of forestry industries in the EU climate change commitments.

The debates focus on establishing common greenhouse gas accounting rules as a first step toward including forestry industries – as part of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector – in the EU's climate change commitments. Specifically, it aims to increase the role this sector can play in carbon reduction activity. It recognises the role that forestry plays in carbon sequestration and the role that timber products play in long-term carbon storage.

Iain McIlwee, BWF Chief Executive commented: "This is a complex technical issue, but the message is clear, it underpins that  timber is a vital part of the low carbon economy.  As an industry, we need to start building a more robust and easier to communicate sustainability case that ensures timber takes centre-stage as the most sustainable of all construction materials.  Carbon sequestration and carbon storage are a fundamental part of this debate and should be recognised by legislators."

The BWF will update members on developments as they occur. More information and background on the LULUCF debate can be found on the official European Union website.