VANCOUVER, BC, June 23, 2021 /CNW/ – Western Forest Products Inc. (TSX: WEF) (“Western” or the “Company”) announced today the release of their 2020 Sustainability Report detailing the progress and commitment to their key sustainability initiatives. This includes the completion of their first full lifecycle carbon accounting, which confirmed the positive role Western’s sustainable forest management practices and wood products have in fighting against climate change.
“Sustainability is engrained in Western’s vision and values and I am tremendously proud of the progress we have made to confirm the positive impact their business makes,” said Don Demens, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their sustainable forest management practices and the wood products we manufacture play a key role in reducing global greenhouse gases. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of nurturing and building positive relationships with their people, First Nations, customers, communities and other stakeholders.”
Key highlights of their 2020 Sustainability Report:
Climate Change:
- 14.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent was removed from the atmosphere through Western’s activities, including the sustainable management of forests in their care, during 2018 and 2019 – equal to removing 1.54 million cars from the road per year
- 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent is stored in the forests managed by Western
Environmental Stewardship:
- 100% of their managed tenures are third party certified
- 100% of identified wildlife features were retained in 2020
- 27% increase in big trees conserved compared to 2019
- Over 3 trees were replanted for every 1 tree harvested in 2020
Health & Safety:
- 23% reduction in their Medical Incident Rate compared to 2019
- Zero work-related COVID-19 transmissions in their operations
Their People:
- Additional employee support and flexible working arrangements for eligible employees during COVID-19
- 38% of their Board of Directors and Executive Officers are women, well above industry averages
Indigenous Relationships:
- Advanced their mutually beneficially partnerships with First Nations, including furthering their relationship with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations in their TFL 44 Limited Partnership
- 29 active agreements with First Nations or First Nations associations
Community:
- Over $500,000 in community investments during 2020
- Donated properties to support the construction of the Community Unity Trail, a 25-kilometre multi-use trail between Tahsis and Zeballos on Vancouver Island
Their 2020 Sustainability Report is available on their website at www.westernforest.com/responsibility.
About Western Forest Products Inc.
Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of British Columbia and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. Western has a lumber capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from eight sawmills and four remanufacturing facilities. The Company sources timber from its private lands, long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western supplements its production through a wholesale program providing customers with a comprehensive range of specialty products.