There is a growing international trend for governments, businesses and individuals to adopt more environmentally-friendly practices.

NCT has developed a Green Policy that will ensure that it is part of this movement. This is especially important in our industry where we can make a difference.

Plantation forestry and the associated industries do have an impact on the environment, but at the same time there are many opportunities to make a positive contribution. The forest-based industrial system, with its recyclable products and renewable raw materials is in balance with the major natural cycles that control our climate.

NCT, with influence on over 300 000 ha of plantations, has an important role to play. By having a practical ‘green’ plan for our offices and farms we can be part of the solution.

Actions by NCT:

• Educating staff and members about the environmental problems that our daily activities create.
• Exposing staff to the concepts of waste minimisation and the associated benefits to the business and to the environment
• Implementing initiatives to ensure that NCT is:
  • Reducing waste
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Recycling waste
  • Using non-toxic, environmentally friendly products.
  • Using environmentally friendly service providers and suppliers whenever possible
• Reducing unnecessary travel. Investing in video-conferencing facilities that will save both carbon emissions and money.
• Creating sufficient awareness so that ‘green’ behavior is also adopted by staff in their home environments
• Certifying all NCT-owned farms and management schemes (where possible) under the FSC system.
• Promoting timber as a recyclable, renewable resource and developing timber markets.

Actions that NCT Members can take:

• Recycle waste including oil, plastics, paper, glass and organic waste.
• Reduce energy consumption. This could include:
  • More efficient use of diesel through good vehicle maintenance; purchasing fuel efficient machinery, implementing minimum tillage practices etc.
  • Investigate the possibility of generating power on the farm for example solar or bio-fuel power.
  • More efficient use of electricity for example insulation on heated units, installing timer switches etc.
• Use non-toxic, recycled, environmentally friendly products and suppliers.
• Implement environmentally friendly management practices on farms including:
  • Reducing chemical use.
  • Organic fertilizers/composting
  • Residue management systems
  • Minimum tillage
  • Manual rather than mechanical
  • Reducing petro-chemical pollution
• Certifying the farming operation under an international environmental standard (eg FSC)
• Improve productivity of timber compartments as large quantities of carbon are stored in wood.