ReEnergy achieves SFI certification
Pledges to procure biomass material using sustainable forestry standards
AUGUSTA — ReEnergy Holdings, the owner of four biomass-to-energy facilities in Maine, announced June 13 it has achieved certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) standard, which verifies that its biomass procurement program promotes land stewardship and responsible forestry practices. ReEnergy is the first company solely devoted to electricity production to be certified to the SFI standard.
Photo courtesy of David Farmer
CERTIFICATION ANNOUNCED — ReEnergy CEO Larry Richardson, at left, talks with Commissioner Walt Whitcomb before announcing ReEnergy’s certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2010-14 Standard during a press conference at the Maine State Capitol in Augusta on June 13. ReEnergy Holdings LLC owns and operates power facilities that use biomass and wood waste to produce energy, including four biomass-to-energy facilities in Maine.
“I believe we can achieve a balance — a balance between preservation of natural treasures and improvement of the Maine business climate in a manner that allows the private sector to create jobs. ReEnergy exemplifies the qualities of a company that is working to achieve that balance of promoting land stewardship and forestry practices,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage. “ReEnergy’s commitment to best management practices and a true working forest model is commendable and demonstrates how working together we can all protect Maine’s valuable resources. I believe that one of the best ways to protect our natural assets is to assure we always have a strong and sustainable economic interest in the health and vitality of farmlands, forests and coastline.”
Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of the SFI, said: “We recognize the commitment and effort ReEnergy has made to procure fiber from responsible sources. The SFI standard promotes responsible forest management for all forest uses. Third-party certification to SFI fiber sourcing requirements promotes best management practices for water quality, logger training and prompt regeneration of the forest.”
ReEnergy earned the certification by meeting the fiber sourcing requirements of the SFI 2010-14 standard. This includes an auditable procurement process to promote responsible forestry requiring that producers, among other things, support logger and forester training and encourage suppliers in North America to reforest harvested sites, protect threatened and endangered species and strengthen best management practices to protect water quality.
“ReEnergy believes that sustainable, renewable energy production is essential to reducing the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels and is committed to creating renewable sources of electricity while respecting the environment,” said Larry Richardson, CEO of ReEnergy Holdings. “In securing SFI certification, ReEnergy has committed to broaden the practice of sustainable forestry with its suppliers and wood producers. Promoting sustainable forestry practices allows ReEnergy to meet the environmental and social needs of the present without compromising the needs and resources of future generations.”
ReEnergy’s policy is to locate its facilities in regions capable of supplying raw materials while simultaneously ensuring the long-term sustainability of the forests where those facilities are located. The company owns four biomass-to-energy facilities in Maine: ReEnergy Stratton (48 MW); ReEnergy Livermore Falls (39 MW); ReEnergy Fort Fairfield (37 MW) and ReEnergy Ashland (39 MW). These facilities create renewable, homegrown energy for their local communities.
ReEnergy worked closely with the Maine Forest Products Council in seeking certification, and has become an active member of the Council’s SFI implementation committee.
To find out more, visit www.reenergyholdings.com.
