West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced its manufacturing operations were powered by 75% renewable energy, with 75% coming from biomass and 4.5% coming from other renewable resources. 

The Canadian timber company also announced that 100% of its mills progressed on their energy reduction road maps to materially reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 2030 using Scope 1, 2 and 3 emission reduction targets, which were validated through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

West Fraser announced a 22% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2019 baseline levels, along with a 13% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to 2020 baseline levels. These reductions are on track to meet the company’s 2030 GHG reduction targets.

At West Fraser’s New Boston, Texas, sawmill, a 16-acre, 5.10-megawatt solar farm now provides approximately one-third of the mill’s energy needs and is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 4,554 tons of CO2e per year. With projected lifetime utility savings of $15 million, the $8.1 million investment delivers substantial returns.

At the company’s sawmill in Dudley, Georgia, a 4.74-megawatt solar field with two solar arrays positioned at the north and south ends of the facility now supplies approximately 38% of the mill’s electrical demand and reduces emissions by an estimated 2.222 tons of CO2e per year. 

“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 of West Fraser, in a statement.  “This report provides some detail about our activities in 2024 and measures the progress we have made toward achieving our goals.”