Our solid wood operations are making more premium specialty and high-value products, which are welcomed as an environmental solution in markets around the world. We planted 67 million trees, and our pulp mills generated 951,347 megawatt hours of green electricity. We took steps to expand our workforce diversity, and partnered with First Nations to expand opportunities in our business and employment for Aboriginal peoples in our company.
This is Canfor’s 17th sustainability report, and it demonstrates what we achieved this past year in key areas, including:
Environment – We supported projects to improve forest management practices related to wildfire, climate change, old growth forests, wetlands, watersheds, areas of cultural significance, wildlife habitat, and much more. All of our solid wood operations and 94.2% of our woodlands operations are independently certified – and 87% of Canfor Pulp’s fibre supply is from third-party certified sources.
Manufacturing – Capital investments in our solid wood operations will improve production and efficiency, and create new jobs; and improvements at our pulp mills will enhance our cost competitiveness and reduce environmental impacts.
Energy – We piloted an energy audit and raised awareness about energy-saving opportunities as we move to reduce electricity use at our Canadian sawmills, and we continue to explore the potential to turn pulp mill waste into next-generation biofuels and biochemicals.
Employees – We achieved our lowest medical incident rate ever for the second year in a row, and divisions across the company were recognized by industry and safety organizations for their excellent safety records. We were once again named one of BC’s top employers, largely for our commitment to lifelong learning and community involvement.
Communities – We gave close to $550,000 for community activities, including donations to two technical schools in the US South that will increase training space for key trades and raise awareness of the tremendous career opportunities in our company and sector.
Performance and targets – Each year, our sustainability report sets targets so we can measure our performance. In 2017, we achieved more than two-thirds of the 21 ambitious goals for forestry and manufacturing, energy efficiency, safety, community and people – and we made solid progress in all of these key areas.
I invite you to read the full report and learn more about Canfor’s commitment to promoting sustainability throughout our company and in the markets we serve.
Don Kayne
Chief Executive Officer, Canfor Corporation and Canfor Pulp