West Fraser generated $13.3 million in carbon credit revenue in 2025 while continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance broader sustainability initiatives, according to its latest Sustainability Report released on June 3. The results highlight how the company is increasingly linking climate performance with financial outcomes through participation in carbon markets.
The company reported a 25% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared with its 2019 baseline and a 20% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared with 2020 levels, keeping it on track toward its 2030 targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Carbon credit sales from its regulatory compliance activities in carbon markets contributed $13.3 million in revenue during the year, underscoring the growing financial dimension of climate action in the forest sector.
West Fraser also expanded its reporting on the climate benefits of wood products. In addition to accounting for carbon stored in forests and wood products, the company assessed the potential avoided emissions associated with using wood in place of more carbon‑intensive construction materials such as steel and concrete. According to the report, 78% of the company’s global energy consumption in 2025 came from biogenic and renewable sources.
Biodiversity initiatives advance
The report highlights several biodiversity-related developments as West Fraser continues to align with emerging nature disclosure frameworks. In 2025, the company published its first report aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), focusing on operations in Alberta.
The initiative was developed in partnership with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvements (NCASI) and supported by funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). West Fraser also introduced a Biodiversity Policy and established a Biodiversity Community of Excellence to help guide biodiversity stewardship efforts across the organization.
Indigenous partnership milestone
Among the social achievements highlighted in the report, West Fraser pointed to the completion of a long-term fibre supply agreement between Lake Babine Nation Forestry and its Smithers, British Columbia lumber mill. The agreement is designed to strengthen collaboration on forest stewardship and support long-term fibre supply for the mill, reflecting a broader shift toward partnership-based approaches with Indigenous Nations.
Workforce recognition and wellbeing
On the workforce front, West Fraser was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the thirteenth consecutive year in 2025. The company also received Mental Health America’s Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification in recognition of its employee wellbeing programs and workplace culture.
In releasing the report, President and CEO Sean McLaren said sustainability remains embedded in the company’s business strategy as it works to improve performance, manage risk and create long-term value for stakeholders.
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company operating more than 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. Its products include lumber, engineered wood products, northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, paper, wood chips and other wood-based materials used in construction, industrial applications, paper and tissue products.
