MATERIAL FLOW ANALYSIS AND CARBON FOOTPRINT OF FOREST RESOURCES IN JAPAN: A CASE STUDY ON BUILDING MATERIALS

Abstract

The importance of wood products' environmental properties, such as renewability and carbon storage capacity, is well recognized in sustainable development. For the sustainable use of wood, the deeply linked supply and demand relationships are important. However, few studies have been conducted to develop a comprehensive understanding of the forest resource flow. The objectives of this study are to conduct holistic analyses on the material flow and carbon footprint of forest resources in Japan, focusing on building materials; draw holistic flowcharts on the basis of the inventory; and based on that, discuss problems and possibilities from resource and environmental points of view. In the material flow, a large amount of forest wood waste is unmanaged, and the replanting ratio is continuously low. Since major GHG emissions originate in manufacturing and waste management, attentions should be paid to the utilization of biomass energy and the choice of waste management.