West Fraser’s new Sustainability report, which reports on West Fraser’s performance in 2024, has been published and proudly highlights the company’s sustainability performance across a variety of environmental, social, and governance goals and disclosed targets.
Explained by Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser, “Since our founding 70 years ago, West Fraser has recognised our responsibility to the environment and society while delivering solid financial performance. This report provides some detail about our activities in 2024 and measures the progress we have made toward achieving our goals.”
You can read the full report here https://www.westfraser.com/sustainability/sustainability-reporting – but if you have five minutes only, here is a snapshot –
- Broadening safety training and data insights: In 2024, we implemented new contractor safety practices across the company and set new expectations around the oversight of contracted work. Further improving our safety programme remains a top priority in 2025.
- Advancing our carbon reduction strategy: Our manufacturing operations were powered by 75% renewable energy. At the same time, 100% of our mills progressed on their energy reduction road maps to materially reduce our carbon footprint by 2030 using scope 1, 2 and 3 emission reduction targets, validated through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). A key highlight was a 22% reduction in our scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2019 baseline levels, along with a 13% reduction in our Scope 3 emissions compared to our 2020 baseline levels. These reductions are on track to meet our 2030 GHG reduction targets.
- Driving sustainable forest management and wood procurement traceability: Requirements related to resource management and responsible sourcing are clarified through our Sustainable Forest and Wood Procurement Policy.
- Partnering with indigenous nations: A key milestone was the agreement signed with the Lake Babine Nation’s forestry company, targeting long-term fibre supply for our mill in Smithers, British Columbia and recognising the Nation’s role as a resource steward.
- Investing in communities: Within our communities we invested $4.3 million through 800 partnerships. Our investments focused on support for young people, improving mental health and were targeted at helping rural areas where we operate.
