Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Lumber Products from Sawmills in Mie Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

In this study, we used the life cycle assessment method to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with lumber products by 10 sawmills in Mie Prefecture, Japan. These sawmills produced an average of 153 kg CO₂e m^-3 per year (range, 54-473 kg CO₂e m^-3). Average GHG emissions weighted by annual sawmill production was 258 kg CO₂e m^-3. We detected significant variation in GHG emissions among sawmills. Influential factors included the presence/absence of molding production and kiln-drying, as well as the type of heat source used for kiln-drying. Fossil fuels generally increased the amount of sawmill emissions; however, even when fossil fuels were used in kiln-drying, sawmills were able to reduce GHG emissions by adapting the drying process to the summer months.