Boeing is working with the University of British Columbia, SkyNRG, and members of Canada’s aviation industry, on a project to use waste from the country’s forestry industry as biofuel.

The parties involved will use leftover branches, sawdust and other waste to create sustainable biofuel. The consortium includes Boeing, Air Canada, WestJet, Bombardier as well as research institutions, and has been awarded funding from the Green Aviation Research and Development Network of Canada.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes managing director of environmental strategy and integration, Julie Felgar says: “Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a critical role in reducing aviation’s carbon emissions over the long term. Canada is in a terrific position to leverage its sustainable forests to make environmental progress for its aviation industry and other transport sectors.”

Boeing sponsored a study by the University of British Columbia and says aviation biofuel made from forest waste could meet 10 per cent of British Columbia’s annual jet fuel demand. If used in ground vehicles, it could save about one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

Air Canada director of environmental affairs, Teresa Ehman says: “Air Canada believes that developing a reliable supply of sustainable aviation biofuel in Canada will play a role in achieving our emission reduction goals. By utilising Canada’s strong forestry research expertise and the knowledge of industry collaborators, this project will contribute significantly to understanding the viability of forest residue-sourced biofuel.”

WestJet director of fuel and environment, Geoff Tauvette says: “WestJet has invested billions of dollars in fleet renewal to reduce our fuel consumption and to ensure we are doing our part towards responsible growth and environmental sustainability.”