G-P Wins AF&PA Innovation in Sustainability Award

 

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, D.C., USA,  recognized Georgia-Pacific with the 2016 AF&PA Innovation in Sustainability Award for its Protecting Endangered Forests and Special Areas project. The award was presented at AF&PA’s recent annual meeting in Cary, N.C.

 

"Georgia-Pacific’s Protecting Endangered Forests and Special Areas project has added a new and innovative dimension to the industry’s efforts to promote and support sustainable forestry, which will help to ensure a healthy environment for future generations," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. 

 

Georgia-Pacific used scientific methodology to map and rank woodlands within more than a dozen Southern states, identifying 4.5 million acres that met the criteria as endangered forests and special areas. The company will only buy fiber from these areas in unique situations where active forest management is needed to improve habitat for endangered, rare and/or vulnerable species.

 

"We’re honored to be recognized by AF&PA with the Innovation in Sustainability Award," said Georgia-Pacific CEO and President Jim Hannan. "The sustainability of our forests is critical for our long-term success. Protecting endangered forests and special areas helps us achieve that and has broad societal benefits as well." 

 

Designed to recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry, AF&PA’s annual sustainability awards are given based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories. 

 

Projects that support progress toward the Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals qualify for recognition in the "Leadership" category, which has five subcategories that correspond to the goals: Paper Recovery for Recycling, Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Sustainable Forest Management, Safety, and Water. The "Innovation in Sustainability" award is reserved for projects that merit recognition for their contribution to sustainable business practices, not one of the goals specifically.