Life Cycle Assessment of Logs and Lumbers

Abstract

In recent years, various efforts have been made to expand the demand for domestic wood in Japan. As interest in environmental consciousness such as SDGs is increasing, it is conceivable to spread the product by promoting its superior environmental advantages. Wood, wood products, and wood fuels are generally recognized as environmentally friendly. However, whether environmentally friendly or not can be clarified by quantitatively evaluating its environmental impact in all processes and comparing it to other products. Therefore, in order to carry out high accuracy LCA for wood products and wood fuels, inventory data of raw materials such as logs and lumber are essential. This paper aims to provide useful information for performing LCA of logs and lumbers in Japan and explains the outlines of the manufacturing process as easily as possible. In addition, the method of collecting and processing foreground data, as well as the method of utilizing background data, is discussed through the introduction of literatures.