Emerging Themes: Bioenergy and Carbon
The SFI 2010-2014 Standard is a research and science-based standard that takes careful consideration of social, economic and environmental issues related to forest management as well as the interests in the marketplace. Through the SFI program’s continual improvement process, new requirements are often built into the standard that reflect new information and science as it becomes available. The SFI 2010-2014 Standard includes new language to address the issues of climate change and bioenergy feedstock harvesting.
Bioenergy feedstocks are not new products from managed forests; however, there is growing interest in such products given government policies and positions to promote renewable energy. The SFI 2010-2014 Standard requires the same performance measures, objectives, and indicators related to forest management regardless of the final product, whether it is solid wood building products, paper products or bioenergy feedstock. The requirements for forest management and fiber sourcing are the same regardless of whether the end-user is a traditional forest or paper product company or bioenergy production company.
Additionally, sustainable forestry makes an important contribution to mitigating climate change and adapting to changing ecosystems. Notwithstanding the fact that policy solutions have not been solidified regarding the role of managed forests in a regulatory framework, the process of carbon sequestration is a natural byproduct of tree growth and therefore an important component of climate change mitigation. In addition, Program Participants have an opportunity to monitor information generated from regional climate models and consider how well-managed forests contribute to resilient ecosystems as an adaptation to a changing climate.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy feedstocks are not new products from managed forests; however, there is growing interest in such products given government policies and positions to promote renewable energy. The requirements for forest management and fiber sourcing are the same regardless of whether the end-user is a traditional forest or paper product company or bioenergy production company.
The SFI 2010-2014 Standard applies to management of forests throughout North America where management intensities are characterized by managed natural forests and plantation forestry, regardless of the forest products derived from management of such forests. Short rotation woody crop operations and other high intensity forestry operations, while they may serve a role in the production of bioenergy feedstocks, are currently beyond the scope of the SFI 2010-2014 Standard.
SFI Inc. has created a Task Force to further explore the role of SFI certification in bioenergy feedstock production.
Climate Change
While climate change and the role that managed forests can play in its mitigation are at the forefront of current environmental issues, climate change science has not advanced far enough to direct Program participants to participate in carbon offset markets, adaptation and other mitigation activities. Therefore, the SFI 2010-2014 Standard appropriately includes these activities in the suite of options for research activities.
Additionally, SFI Inc. worked with experts to provide guidance regarding the SFI program and its role in carbon markets and climate change mitigation. The result of the work was specific guidance to SFI Inc. on the following areas of opportunity:
SFI Inc. as a carbon information source:
- With there still being much to learn regarding how climate change will affect forests and the role managed forests can play in mitigating climate change, many forest managers are in the early stages of attempting to understand what opportunities are available. SFI Inc. will seek to work with its partners to provide access to the information and data Program participants need. Several institutes and organizations are already active in the field of forest Carbon.
Click here for a list of further resources. - SFI Inc. has developed information on the role of certified forests in climate change to aid program participants when communicating with the public.
These are available by clicking here. - SFI certification as a market entry tool and opportunities to align certification processes with carbon verification: SFI Inc. will maintain its focus on forest certification and responsible forest management. However, opportunities may exist for SFI-certified companies, such as gaining market entry into carbon accounting verification processes or aligning verification procedures to maximize efficiencies. SFI Inc. will explore these opportunities and provide guidance to program participants interested in participating in carbon markets.