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West Fraser highlights sustainability progress in 2024 report
Company cuts emissions by up to 22%, boosts community investments, and signs agreement with Indigenous Nation in Canada
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, Building Together: People and Partnerships, outlining the company’s progress across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. The document details key actions taken throughout the year and the results achieved in priority areas.
“Since our founding 70 years ago, West Fraser has recognized our responsibility to the environment and society while delivering solid financial performance,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO, West Fraser. “This report provides some detail about our activities in 2024 and measures the progress we have made toward achieving our goals.”
Key highlights from the year include:
- Workplace safety: The company expanded safety training and introduced new protocols for contractors, with updated oversight standards. Strengthening the safety program remains a top priority for 2025;
- Carbon reduction: 75% of operations were powered by renewable energy, and 100% of mills advanced on their energy reduction road maps. West Fraser achieved a 22% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions (compared to 2019) and a 13% reduction in Scope 3 emissions (compared to 2020), in line with its 2030 targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi);
- Sustainable forest management and traceability: The new Sustainable Forest and Wood Procurement Policy, introduced in 2024, unifies guidelines across the company to ensure responsible sourcing;
- Partnership with Indigenous Nation: A key milestone was the signing of an agreement with the Lake Babine Nation’s forestry company, aimed at securing a long-term fibre supply for the Smithers mill in British Columbia. The arrangement is pending approval from the provincial government, expected in 2025;
- Community investment: West Fraser invested $4.3 million in 800 partnerships focused on supporting youth, improving mental health, and strengthening rural communities where it operates.
The full report is available at: westfraser.com/sustainability/sustainability-reporting.
