The Wood Pellet Association of Canada and its members are committed to supplying the world with renewable, low-carbon energy from responsibly managed, third-party certified sources.
We recognize that the fight against climate change requires immediate and urgent action. The advancement of new renewable energy alternatives to replace fossil fuel-generated power is key in this fight. Wood pellets sourced from responsible producers in well-regulated countries like Canada contribute to a more sustainable energy system.
We work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable forest management. Suppliers with goals to improve forest utilization by enhancing growth and maximizing the value of harvested trees while minimizing environmental impacts. We understand the importance of these issues to our local and Indigenous communities and customers.
In sourcing responsible fibre and producing wood pellets, WPAC members set and communicate clear expectations that we:
- Respect Communities: recognizing the importance of long-term stability in our communities and forests.
2. Respect the Rights of Indigenous People: welcoming and supporting the meaningful participation of, and partnership with Indigenous people in the forest sector.
3. Respect Employees: treating forest sector workers fairly, with the highest priority placed on their health and safety; and striving to be among the most inclusive and successful trade associations by actively seeking out diversity across our industry.
4. Respect the Value of Forests: sourcing fibre from the residuals of sawmilling and harvesting activities as well as wood that can’t be used for any other purpose and which needs to be removed to improve forest health and/or minimize the risk of forest fires.
5. Commit to Forest Sustainability: sourcing forest biomass harvested sustainably and legally in accordance with applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations that are backed by strong compliance and rigorous enforcement practices and independent third-party certification.
6. Commit to Accountability: sourcing fibre through recognized third-party certification programs where systems are in place to independently verify the sustainability and legality of that fibre.
7. Protect Ecosystems: safeguarding ecosystems and species at risk by implementing stringent processes to identify and proactively protect those areas.*
8. Commit to Forest Renewal: sourcing forest biomass from harvest sites regenerated with ecologically appropriate, non-GMO trees at a sufficient level to ensure that long-term productivity, health, and vitality of the forest is either enhanced or maintained.*
9. Reduce Carbon Emissions: maintaining or increasing sequestration of carbon in working forests over the medium to long term.*
10. Maintain Social Licence: evolving with the latest research, policies, and societal needs* while operating economically stable businesses that contribute to the well-being of our communities, our country, and the world at large.
Delivering on these expectations takes a collective effort and WPAC members recognize Canada’s unique strengths and steadfast commitment to advancing these goals while helping supply the world with low-carbon energy alternatives.
*As verified by independent third-party certifications such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Sustainable Biomass Program.
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