Crafting Quality with Conscience.
Our ESG approach
York Timbers is committed to upholding the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. As part of this commitment, we adhere to and align our operations with the with all relevant legislation and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards.
These globally recognised standards guide our efforts to manage environmental and social risks, foster sustainable development, and ensure positive outcomes for our stakeholders and the surrounding communities.
Environmental Sustainability
The environment is at the heart of our operations and sustainability initiatives.
Our environmental strategy focuses on sustainable forest management practices.
Our environmental stewardship is guided by a commitment to minimise our ecological footprint while enhancing the natural habitats in which we operate. We recognise the critical role forests play in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential resources, and we strive to manage these resources responsibly.
Our environmental strategy focuses on sustainable forest management practices that ensure the health and longevity of forest ecosystems. This includes adhering to strict policies, reducing water use and greenhouse gas emissions through optimised operations. Additionally, we employ technologies to minimise waste and energy consumption. Our ESG department, which oversees Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives, drives these efforts to ensure seamless integration of sustainability across all facets of our operations.
We also engage in continuous monitoring and assessment of our environmental impact, setting targets to reduce water use, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Through these efforts, York aims to lead by example in the forestry industry, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness not only within our own operations but across the entire sector.
Our proactive approach to environmental management is integral to our business ethos, reflecting our responsibility to future generations and our planet. By investing in sustainable practices, we contribute to the preservation of the environment, ensuring that we deliver value to our stakeholders while protecting the natural world for years to come.
Social Sustainability
The 'Social' pillar of our ESG strategy is rooted in fostering a positive impact on the communities we operate in and ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace.
We believe that our responsibility extends beyond our operational boundaries, reaching into the lives of our employees, their families, and the wider community.
Our commitment to social responsibility is demonstrated through our robust employee engagement programmes that focus on providing continuous learning opportunities, health and wellness promotion and maintaining a safe work environment. We prioritise fair labour practices and have created a culture of inclusivity, where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is valued. Additionally, our York Employee Forums provide an essential platform for open dialogue between management and employees. These forums foster collaboration, address employee concerns, and ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into decision-making processes. By maintaining these forums, we reinforce our commitment to transparency, mutual respect, and creating a workplace culture where everyone feels heard and valued.
York’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) committee is a cornerstone of our efforts to make a meaningful impact in the communities we operate in. The committee is responsible for identifying, funding, and managing initiatives that address critical needs such as education, healthcare, and community development. Working closely with local leaders, the CSI committee ensures that projects are relevant, sustainable, and aligned with York’s broader mission to drive positive change.
York’s Level 1 BEE accreditation reflects our dedication to empowering historically disadvantaged communities and contributing to economic transformation. Beyond our workplace, we actively participate in community development initiatives, working with local leaders to support educational, environmental, and health-related projects. Our goal is to drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for all stakeholders.
By integrating social considerations into every aspect of our business, we not only enhance our operational efficiency but also contribute to the social fabric of our surroundings, ensuring that our growth translates into broader societal benefits.
York’s Level 1 BEE accreditation demonstrates our commitment to economic transformation.
Governance
Integrity and transparency drive our business.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our business practices. Our governance framework is designed to support informed decision-making, rigorous oversight, and active management of risks and opportunities across all levels of the organisation.
Our Board of Directors, comprised of experienced professionals, sets the tone at the top, guiding our corporate strategy and overseeing its execution. They work closely with our executive management team and ESG Committee to ensure that York adheres to all regulatory requirements and ethical standards, including adherence to JSE Listing Requirements and the principles of King IV™️ while also striving for operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Our ESG department integrates governance considerations with environmental and social priorities, creating a unified approach to sustainability. This ensures that York’s practices align with regulatory requirements while fostering trust among employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
By fostering a culture of integrity and respect, we ensure that our governance practices build trust and secure the long-term success of our business while delivering positive impacts across all stakeholder groups.
Integrity and transparency drive our business.
We are committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our business practices. Our governance framework is designed to support informed decision-making, rigorous oversight, and active management of risks and opportunities across all levels of the organisation.
Our Board of Directors, comprised of experienced professionals, sets the tone at the top, guiding our corporate strategy and overseeing its execution. They work closely with our executive management team and ESG Committee to ensure that York adheres to all regulatory requirements and ethical standards, including adherence to JSE Listing Requirements and the principles of King IV while also striving for operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Our ESG department integrates governance considerations with environmental and social priorities, creating a unified approach to sustainability. This ensures that York’s practices align with regulatory requirements while fostering trust among employees, customers, and the communities we serve.
By fostering a culture of integrity and respect, we ensure that our governance practices build trust and secure the long-term success of our business while delivering positive impacts across all stakeholder groups.