Why An All-Electric Forestry Supply Chain Matters for CLT’s Carbon Balance - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica emphasizes the importance of transitioning to an all-electric forestry supply chain to enhance the carbon balance of cross laminated timber (CLT). While CLT is already net carbon negative—storing significantly more CO2 than emitted during production—there remain notable emissions from diesel-powered harvesters, trucks, natural gas-fueled kilns, and fossil-based adhesives. By adopting available clean technologies and supportive policies, these emissions can be drastically reduced, pushing the forestry supply chain closer to zero emissions and strengthening the climate benefits of mass timber products. Canada is well-positioned to lead this transition due to its sustainable forest management practices and under-utilization of its allowable harvest limits. In 2022, only about 60% of the sustainable wood supply was harvested, and less than 0.4% of forest area was affected annually, indicating room to increase production of value-added wood products like CLT without compromising forest health. The article highlights opportunities to improve yield through Indigenous partnerships, sustainable