Fort St. James, B.C. – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has released a compelling new Accomplishments Update titled “Climate Solutions Powered By British Columbia’s Forest Workers,” showcasing the remarkable achievements of its funded projects throughout the province. These actions on climate change have not only reduced net greenhouse gas emissions but also created economic opportunities for workers. There is now a greater sense of what growing a sustainable bioeconomy can look like in local B.C. communities.
One project featured in the report is the FESBC-funded project of BioNorth Energy—a joint venture between the Nak’azdli Development Corporation, the Arrow Group of Companies, and Nexus PMG. This collaboration in Fort St. James has successfully diverted logging waste fibre from being burned in slash piles to the biomass energy facility, transforming what was once considered waste into green energy. Last year, about 3,400 truckloads of logging waste were diverted to the BioNorth facility, helping avoid 27,800 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to 6,000 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki, said, “We are very proud of the project partners in local areas all around British Columbia who have stepped forward with creative and thoughtful projects which not only utilize more waste wood or reduce wildfire risk but also drive additional benefits. FESBC projects show that there doesn’t need to be a trade-off between the environment or the economy – it can, and should be, a win for both.”
The Accomplishments Update delves into two other significant initiatives: Williams Lake First Nation’s leadership in wildfire risk reduction and Atli Resources LP’s chip plant, which is processing low-value fibre with the involvement of the ‘Namgis First Nation. These stories highlight how FESBC-funded projects are driving meaningful change by synergistically achieving environmental, social, and economic benefits all at the same time.
The Accomplishments Update also provides a broader overview of the societal impact of these initiatives, including an analysis based on the Social Cost of Carbon. This benchmark, used by scientists and economists, measures the effectiveness of activities aimed at reducing carbon emissions. FESBC’s projects have consistently outperformed expectations, proving their efficacy in contributing to a more sustainable future.
To explore the full scope of these and other similar initiatives undertaken throughout B.C. through FESBC funding, visit the website at www.fesbc.ca
FESBC would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Forests.