STUDY ON THE ANNUAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CO₂ EMISSIONS OF SAWMILL IN NIIGATA PREFECTURE

Study on the lumber of local production for local consumption Part 1

Abstract

Recently, concept of local production for local consumption has attracted attention as safety proofing in the agricultural field. The Woodmiles Forum was developed the concept of "Woodmiles" that is calculated by multiplying the transportation distance and weight of the lumber. Concept of "Woodmiles" is focused on the environmental impact of distribution. This indicator can calculate the effect of reducing the environmental impact of domestically used materials. This concept has the potential to induce environmentally friendly production. The CO₂ emissions which is cradle-to-grave of sawmill and house builder can be divided into two broad manufacturing and transportation process. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of reducing the environmentally impact of locally produced lumber for the construction of wooden houses. Results of CO₂ emissions per 1m³ lumber on the Niigata prefecture is 297.3kgCO₂/m³. Percentage of CO₂ emission of each process, lumber process is 78.0% which accounts for the majority.