New Factsheet Heralds West Fraser Carbon Negative Landmark

West Fraser has published a new factsheet, proudly announcing the achievement that its UK operations are now officially counted as carbon negative, showing the industry that this is the way forward as a responsible producer of timber panel products.

The four-page publication begins by declaring: “Since our founding 70 years ago, West Fraser has recognised its responsibility to the environment and society, while delivering solid financial performance. Guided by our values and leveraging strategic partnerships, we aim to integrate sustainability across all aspects of our business.”

In fact, the document goes on to stress that all of its UK products have been certified as being net carbon negative – meaning that they lock up more CO2e than is emitted in making them. For the environmentally conscious specifier or builder using West Fraser’s boards, they can be assured that the company’s approach to sustainability is “rooted in science, guided by global standards and inspired by a vision of a future where forests, products and innovation work together to address climate change.”

This assertion is backed up by the fact that West Fraser sequesters 1.1 million tonnes of CO2e in its European operations each year, while its OSB products have earned an A+ rating in the BRE Green Guide – the highest possible rating. Other aspects of its progress include how three-quarters of the group’s use of renewable energy globally is based on biomass while 4.5^% comes from other renewables such as solar. And across Europe, 100^% of the grid-purchased electricity utilised is from guaranteed renewable generation: including wind, hydro-power and solar.

In terms of actual forestry management, 72.4 million seedlings are planted in Canada, plus over 2 million in the US. Impressively, the timber expert has achieved a 22^% reduction in SCOPE 1 and 2 emissions – along with a 13^% reduction in SCOPE 3. Interestingly, less than 1^% of its managed forest areas are harvested annually, which allows for longer-term and therefore more sustainable harvesting cycles. Other important facts can be found in the link provided in the factsheet: 2024 Sustainability Report.

The document ends with the statement: “Build with purpose - All our UK-made engineered wood panels are proudly net carbon negative and can offset building emissions” - with a link for the reader to find out more on its website.

The factsheet is strikingly presented with full colour photography, while offering a powerful argument to convince the most ardent of environmentalists that West Fraser goes above and beyond in achieving a carbon negative, yet positive future. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/