Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  February 16, 2022

West Fraser Sets 2030 Net Zero Goals

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced a commitment to set science-based targets to achieve near-term GHG reductions across all its operations located in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Europe. 

The company has set the following specific GHG reduction targets:

• Reduce direct emissions under West Fraser’s operational control, Scope 1 GHG emissions and indirect emissions from purchased energy, Scope 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. These reductions are in line with a scenario that limits global temperature increases to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
• Reduce all other indirect emissions within West Fraser’s value chain, Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030 from a 2020 base year. Scope 3 GHG reductions align with a scenario that limits global temperature increases to well below 2°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.

West Fraser, a producer of lumber and oriented strand board and a manufacturer of other engineered wood and forest products, will expend capital and adapt some operating practices and its capital plans starting from 2022 include projects that will make reducing GHG emissions a priority. It is expected the average annual capital expenditures on GHG reduction projects to be approximately $50 million and West Fraser anticipates investing at least $400 million before 2030 to achieve our targets.

The SBTi process is initiated with a letter of commitment and provides a period of two years to develop targets for SBTi validation prior to organizational communication and disclosure.   

“Committing to science-based targets through our SBTi pledge is a natural next step for West Fraser,” said Ray Ferris, President & CEO, West Fraser in a statement. “By committing to reduce emissions in line with climate science and align with the Paris Agreement goals by 2030, we are building on our solid legacy of sustainability performance of our products while enhancing the social, environmental and economic benefit in the communities in which we operate.”