Forest certification is intended to provide assurance to the public and customers that our forests are managed in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible manner. We voluntarily submitting to annual audits conducted by independent third parties to verify that Western’s forest operations meet internationally recognized criteria for sustainable forest management.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Approximately 850,000 hectares (2.1 million acres) of our forests are registered under the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z-809 standard. Recognized globally under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the CSA is Canada’s national standard for Sustainable Forest Management and includes locally adapted indicators developed through public consultation. As part of our CSA certification, we have five public advisory groups made up of local stakeholders that review our practices and advise us in relation to the CSA requirements.
CSA Z809 Sustainable Forest Management Standard Certificate 2024-2026
CSA Z809 Audit Report Summary 2024
CSA Z809 Audit Report Summary 2023
CSA Z809 Audit Report Summary 2022
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Approximately 795,131 hectares of our forests are certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a forest certification standard with principles that protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests with exceptional conservation value. It is used widely across North America and is accepted in the global marketplace under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Western also maintains SFI Fiber Sourcing certification ensuring all fibre entering our mills is from legal and responsible sources.
Chain of Custody – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)
Western is committed to the establishment and maintenance of chains-of-custody processes that meet recognized international standards: PEFC and FSC. In this way, our customers and the public are assured that our wood products originate from well-managed forests that are harvested responsibly and in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.
2021 PEFC Certificate of Conformity 4Z611-PE9
FSC® CoC Certificate FSC-C003305 / FSC-C009244
Public Advisory Groups
As part of Western’s dedication to excellence in forest stewardship, we create opportunities for engagement with the people and communities who are impacted by or have an interest in our business and practices. Public Advisory Groups are a collection of volunteers who represent the varied interests and values of the areas where we operate. These Groups offer input on annual planning and performance are essential to maintaining our voluntary certification for Sustainable Forest Management.
View Western’s Public Advisory Groups and related documentation.
