Publications

European Wood factsheets The key facts about Europe’s most environmentally friendly material In cooperation with the European Wood Councils, CEI-Bois has developed 5 factsheets outlining the advantages of wood as a material and the possibilities to combat climate change by using more wood. The factsheets are being distributed to European decision makers in first instance and were presented at a conference, organised in Brussels on 22nd November 2004, targeting members of the European Parliament. Factsheet 1: Forestry The European forest sector’s output is about 25% of current world industrial production of forest products. Despite the increasing demand for forest resources, the EU has become a net exporter of forest products, while at the same time expanding Europe’s forests. Forests in Europe expand at an annual net area of 510 000 ha. Only 65 % of the European annual forest growth is harvested. PDF Download Factsheet 2: The woodworking industry Wood and wood products account for nearly 2% of manufacturing value added in the EU15. The woodworking industries are often located in remote, less industrialized areas and consequently play a major role in rural development. The European wood processing industries have experienced some of the highest raw material and labour costs in the world, forcing them to adopt leading technologies to remain competitive. PDF download Factsheet 3: Wood products as carbon stores Wood products are carbon stores. Their carbon continues to be stored through their life-cycle. Carbon accounts for about 49% of the mass of a wood product. With a wood product stock of about 60 million tonnes in Europe alone, the carbon storage effect of wood products has a significant role to play in reducing climate change. PDF download Factsheet 4: Wood products and climate change “Wood plays a major role in combating climate change... Greater use of wood products will stimulate the expansion of Europe’s forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by substituting for fossil fuel intensive products. The Commission is examining ways to encourage these trends.” European Commission’s Enterprise DG, 2003 PDF download Factsheet 5: The eco-cycle of wood products Wood is eco-efficient during its entire life cycle. Carbon storage can be extended by increasing the lifespan of wood products. Wood and wood products are among the most commonly used materials for recycling into new products. Biomass energy, together with investment in combined heat and power energy plants, makes wood based industries the least fossil fuel intensive of any industrial manufacturing sector. The manufacturing of wood products requires less energy than using other materials. PDF Download