Wood in Our Future: The Role of Life-Cycle Analysis Proceedings of a Symposium (1997) / Chapter Skim
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OVERVIEW
Pages 1-10
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From page 1... ...
At issue is not so much the product of wood and its engineered forms, but rather the concept of preserving natural physical and biologic ecosystems through withdrawal of land from timber harvesting or application of other limiting conditions on timber extraction. These external system values include the structure of a range of ecosystems, with particular emphasis on tropical forests; biologic diversity; habitat for fauna and flora; air and water quality; soil stability; and climate impacts that can be local, regional, or global.
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From page 2... ...
The symposium focused on the science base of methodologies currently in use, reviewed the information needed to judge the adequacy of decision making processes, and explored potential uses of these methodologies. A two-day symposium with invited speakers was held in Irvine, California, March 14-15, 1996, to examine existing methodologies for identifying and assessing environmental impacts of industrial activities and wood as a raw material choice.
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From page 3... ...
Life-cycle thinking, even if not in detailed analysis, has and is having a beneficial effect on procurement, manufacturing, recycling, and disposal. Two long-term objectives are to identify sufficient standards data and to apply sound science to make comparisons between different raw materials as to their environmental impact.
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From page 4... ...
This frequently has led to a "first time" view of a company's vulnerability and opportunities driven by environmental issues. Some government agencies have been directed to use the system as an aid in procuring materials with the least harmful environmental impacts.
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From page 5... ...
A1though it is too early to assess the extent to which this trend will take hold, it will result in incentives for manufacturers to reduce environmental impacts in manufacturing. Programs also are being used in the forest management phase of wood production, for example those of the Forest Stewardship Council and Scientific Certification Systems, Inc.
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From page 6... ...
It was suggested during the symposium's roundtable discussion, that, in the United States, the preferred role of government could be to support the development of sound science-based methodologies, encourage the involvement of stakeholder groups, and foster market-driven approaches rather than to take mandatory regulatory action. FOR THE FUTURE Symposium participants agree that a clear understanding should be sought about the environmental consequences of forest management and the associated uses of wood because of their national importance.
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From page 7... ...
It was generally recognized that an objective, scientifically based analysis is needed that builds on our knowledge of raw materials energy impacts outlined in the 1970s and that now turns the focus to environmental impacts. This environmentally focused analysis could identify a framework for use of methodologies; compare impacts of different raw materials on the basis of and within the limitations of these methodologies; and suggest coordination between government, industry, environmental organizations, consultants, and nongovernment organizations regarding the use of impact assessment.
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