Domtar announced that its Windsor Mill has earned ISO 50001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.
This international certification recognizes organizations that implement effective energy management systems, and Windsor Mill now stands among the most energy-efficient mills in North America.
The certification follows the adoption of an energy and greenhouse gas management plan two years ago. “This plan helps us lower our energy costs, which is one of the mill’s largest budget items,” says Eric Olivier, Windsor Mill’s environmental process and sustainability manager. “It also aligns with Domtar’s long-term commitment to continuously improving environmental performance.”
ISO 50001 provides a structured framework for optimizing energy use, setting targets, and making data-driven decisions. As part of this initiative, Windsor Mill has committed to reducing energy consumption by 2 percent—enough to power 2,000 homes. “We developed key performance indicators to track and improve energy use,” explains Jeffrey Byrns, the mill’s energy manager. “For example, we monitor oxygen levels in boilers to optimize efficiency and minimize waste.”
Achieving certification required engagement across all levels of the mill. Olivier’s team worked with stakeholders to highlight the benefits, including alignment with Canada’s energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals, lower operational costs, and a competitive advantage in sustainable paper production.
The certification, completed in January 2025, will be audited annually, with recertification planned for 2028. “We know we will exceed our energy reduction target, but maintaining progress requires ongoing effort,” says Olivier. “It’s a collective achievement, and we’re proud of the results.”
Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of roughly 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue annually, and has an annual production capacity of about 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence Canada Holdings Corporation, Domtar Corporation and Resolute Forest Products.
