SBTi VALIDATES WEST FRASER';S SCIENCE-BASED EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS

Rhea-AI Summary

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (NYSE: WFG) has announced the validation of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This move supports the company's strategy to significantly reduce GHG emissions across its operations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe by 2030. The targeted reductions include a 46.2% decrease in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 25% decline in scope 3 emissions. SBTi aims to promote substantial reductions in global emissions prior to 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning corporate strategies with climate science and Paris Agreement goals. This validation enhances West Fraser's sustainability credibility and demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Positive

• Validation of GHG emissions reduction targets by SBTi strengthens West Fraser's sustainability credentials.
• Commitment to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% and scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 indicates proactive climate action.

Negative

• Achieving the emissions reduction goals may encounter inherent risks and uncertainties.
• Dependence on sufficient capital and resources to undertake required projects poses potential challenges.

World's largest renewable building materials producer to materially reduce GHG emissions by 2030

VANCOUVER, BC, April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX and NYSE: WFG) announced today that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reduction targets. This validation further supports West Fraser's plan to achieve near-term greenhouse gas ("GHG") reductions across all its operations located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe.

SBTi helps companies to set and validate emission reduction targets in line with climate science and Paris Agreement goals. It promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies' targets. To accelerate corporate climate action, SBTi is focused on significant reductions in global emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions before 2050.

"Climate action is a fundamental element of West Fraser's sustainability strategy," said Ray Ferris, President and CEO of West Fraser. "Validation of West Fraser's proposed targets, committing to reduce GHG emissions in line with climate science and aligned with the Paris Agreement goals by 2030, furthers the credibility of our targets and builds on our solid legacy of sustainability performance of our products while enhancing the social, environmental and economic benefit in the communities in which we operate."

West Fraser is on a path to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 46.2% by 2030 and its scope 3 GHG emissions 25% by 2030.

Read more about Sustainability at West Fraser: 2021 Sustainability Report

About West Fraser

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com.

About Science Based Targets Initiative

The Science Based Targets initiative ("SBTi") is a global body enabling businesses and financial institutions to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. For more information about SBTi, visit: sciencebasedtargets.org

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements related to the Company's GHG targets and the Company's ability to realize these commitments and goals, benefits accruing from these initiatives and the statements related to the Company's future allocation of capital and operating practices to make reducing GHG emissions a priority. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including our ability to achieve the emissions reduction goals within the time period specified or at all, our ability to undertake the required capital projects and plans to achieve such goals and our access to sufficient capital and resources to undertake such projects and plans. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, each dated February 14, 2023, available at SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sbti-validates-west-frasers-science-based-emissions-reduction-targets-301797157.html

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

FAQ

What are West Fraser's GHG emission reduction targets according to the recent PR?

West Fraser aims to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% and scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030.

What organization validated West Fraser's emissions reduction targets?

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated West Fraser's GHG emissions reduction targets.

When did West Fraser announce its validated emissions reduction targets?

West Fraser announced its validated emissions reduction targets on April 13, 2023.

How does SBTi support companies like West Fraser?

SBTi helps companies set and validate emission reduction targets in line with climate science and Paris Agreement goals.

What commitment has West Fraser made regarding climate action?

West Fraser is committed to aligning its emissions reduction goals with climate science and the Paris Agreement by 2030.