OTTAWA – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Ministry of Infrastructure’s announcement regarding a long-term infrastructure plan that includes climate change considerations. This announcement aligns with the forest product sector’s “30 by 30” climate challenge – a commitment from the sector to help Canada remove 30 megatonnes (MT) of CO2 by the year 2030. The climate challenge, launched last year, symbolizes the Canadian wood products sector’s ongoing contribution and commitment to a low carbon economy and a sustainable future.
“The climate change considerations that form part of the Ministry of Infrastructure’s announcement are encouraging for the Ontario wood products industry,” says Etienne Lalonde, vice-president of market development for the Canadian Wood Council. “Renewable wood products from sustainably managed Canadian forests help construction sector stakeholders achieve a balance between functionality and cost objectives, with the added bonus of reduced environmental impacts on the overall built environment.”
The Canadian and Ontario forest products industry has an excellent track record reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adheres to some of the toughest forest management regulations in the world.
“When it comes to life-cycle assessment of construction materials, wood performs exceptionally well,” explains Marianne Berube, executive director for the Ontario Wood Works! program. “The Ministry’s phased life-cycle assessment approach for major infrastructure projects will help ensure the sustainability of our built environment. We applaud this strategic investment in Ontario’s future.”
To learn more about the Canadian Wood Council’s commitment to climate change, visit www.cwc.ca.