"Based on preliminary calculations, we expect that our programs will reduce greenhouse gas intensity by 12 percent by 2012 relative to 2000," Moore said in a letter to the federal government. However, he added that "only a strong economy will allow us to make the investments we need" to accomplish the task.
Among the programs already in place are improved technologies and energy efficiency, use of co-generation and an increasing use of renewable energy and recycling. The paper industry, Moore said, will continue to derive more than half of its energy needs from renewable sources or biofuels. The industry leads all manufacturing sectors in onsite electricity generation, currently meeting more than half its needs through highly efficient co-generation processes.
Moore described two technologies now under development. One would allow increased burning of renewable biofuels with lower emissions and improved efficiency. The other, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, is biomass gasification. It holds the promise of making the forest products business totally energy self-sufficient and a generator of net surplus power. Meanwhile he reported the industry has already achieved a 48% recovery rate for all paper products. --AO
