Norway Seeks PEFC Endorsement for a Fourth Time: Public Consultation Open

Pearson, the digital education company, published its 2017 Sustainability Report, which highlights the progress made in implementing its 2020 Sustainability Plan and a continued vision for integrating social and environmental issues into every aspect of the business. Pearson’s 2020 Sustainability Plan is centered around three pillars: 1.Reach more learners by removing barriers to education both through core business and partnerships and enabling learners to be their best selves; 2.Shape the future of learning by leveraging technology and innovating to meet each learner where they are, with content that equips today’s learners with the skills to shape a better tomorrow for people and planet; and 3.Be a trusted partner to learners, educators, suppliers, and communities: operating responsibly, creating value for society, and protecting the environment. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forestry is to become more digital so the forest can be utilized in a more efficient and sustainable manner. This is SCA’s position and other players in the forest industry who are now launching the joint research program Mistra Digital Forest. Accessibility to major digital information flows is rapidly increasing and is creating new opportunities. By linking together the information flows, the forest industry can improve the efficiency and the added value of the forest at the same time as contributing to greater sustainability through more considerate forest operations. The Mistra Digital Forest research program will therefore focus on the digitalization of the entire forest value chain. “We consider this a very exciting and interesting project that is looking to the future. We can now become even more efficient in the way we use the forest and contribute to a more sustainable society,” says Magnus Bergman, head of technology and operational development at SCA, and continues: “We already work with many digital solutions, but this project offers the potential to form a closer link between the requirements of our sawmills and our method of calculating the optimal way of using the timber. The digital information gives us more opportunity to simplify work processes and provides better support to our machine operators. Click read more below for additional detail.

Robert Glowinski, President and CEO, AWC: “Despite claims of energy flexibility intended under the Clean Power Plan, EPA actually limited the types of renewable energy states can use, which included our industry’s production and use of carbon neutral biomass energy. The Clean Air Act did not give EPA the authority to impose such sweeping restrictions on existing electric utility generating utilities. The wood products industry plays an important and unique role in reducing greenhouse gases by converting manufacturing biomass residuals to energy needed to power our mills. AWC supports this Executive Order and will continue to seek clarity on EPA’s treatment of biomass to ensure it is recognized as a critical component of clean energy.” Donna Harman, President and CEO, AF&PA: “We welcome the Energy Independence Executive Order to provide states and ratepayers, including paper and wood products manufacturers, long-overdue relief from harmful regulatory overreach. The nation deserves affordable, reliable electricity, not rate hikes and competitive harm that can stem from onerous regulation such as the Clean Power Plan. On average, our industry meets about two-thirds of its energy demand through carbon neutral renewable biomass and is able to sell some energy to the grid. We plan to continue working with policy makers to provide an effective solution that recognizes the carbon benefits of biomass energy in paper and wood products manufacturing facilities.” click Read More below for additional detail