Tackle Climate Change: Use Wood

Smurfit Kappa has begun operating a sophisticated Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) to reduce emissions and increase the profitability of its Townsend Hook Paper Mill in Kent. The new CHP, which provides steam and electricity for the paper machine, will slash the mill’s carbon footprint by at least 15%. Earlier this year, Smurfit Kappa reported reaching its fossil CO2 emission reduction target three years ahead of schedule.

Technology has the ability to move boundaries and change how certification operates. Helping us to kick-start the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue will be Sarah Crow from the American Forest Foundation, as she showcases the innovative ‘Forests in Focus’. To find out more, make sure you register to join us in Helsinki on 16-17 November, but in the meantime, here’s what Sarah has to say: What is your view of the potential of innovation and technology within forest certification? “I believe innovation is central to our success. In our experiences with forest certification, we have learned a huge amount about what customers, landowners, stakeholders, conservation partners and others are seeking.” Click Read More below for additional information.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) is pleased to announce the election of four new members to its board of directors: Lillian “Ebonie” Alexander, Executive Director, Black Family Land Trust; Kevin Edgson, President and CEO, EACOM Timber Corporation; Brent Keefer, President, Hancock Timber Resource Group; and Dan Lambe, President, Arbor Day Foundation. These new board members will not only advance SFI’s work within its four pillars – standards, conservation, education, and community – but will strengthen the intersections between them. “These four board members join us at a critical juncture given SFI’s current work to set our strategic direction for the next five years. I’m looking forward to working closely with each of them and am confident that their diverse experience and leadership skills will bring fresh perspective to SFI’s future plans,” said Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada and Chair of the SFI Board of Directors. “The diversity and independence of our board is one of SFI’s defining characteristics and a foundation for our success. Each board member brings a range of impressive talents and skills to the table and I’m eager to see us all working together on behalf of sustainable forests,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of SFI Inc. Click read more below for additional detail.