Bioenergy
Our industry uses every part of the trees we source. That includes using parts of the tree that would otherwise go to waste to instead generate energy for our mills. We are primarily using this residual biomass energy to replace fossil fuels in creating the heat and power needed to manufacture wood products. In fact, AWC member facilities have generated over 70 percent of their energy from renewable biomass for the last 15 years.
The greenhouse gas reduction benefit of using biomass manufacturing residuals for energy by the wood products industry is equivalent to about 24 million tons of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to removing approximately 4.6 million cars from the ROA every year. The science supporting the carbon benefits of using renewable biomass energy in wood products manufacturing is well-established.
Air & Energy Intensity
AWC members are very proud of their record of energy management and efficiency, and protection of the environment, all while producing products that are central to the lives and homes of all Americans.
Energy intensity has improved significantly since the 2008-09 recession and is 14 percent below pre-recession levels. The 10-year trend in chemical releases has shown significant reductions, including a 47% drop in formaldehyde and 39% reduction of methanol since 2008 that in part led to the EPA’s finding in 2020 that public health around wood product mills is adequately protected. AWC supports sensible regulations that are based on careful assessments of impacts to public health and the environment when determining the need for further industry air emissions improvements.
Industry Progress Report
AWC members are very proud of their record of mill safety, energy management and efficiency, and their protection of the environment while producing products that are central to the lives and homes of all Americans. This Industry Progress Report, our fourth, shows that there have been significant improvements over the last decade in these areas, despite the economic downturn that caused a drop in wood products manufacturing beginning in early 2006.
