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Industry and Business

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A pathway to carbon neutral, resilient industry & b​​usiness in Metro Vancouver

As the source of half of Metro Vancouver’s greenhouse gases, industry and business offer enormous opportunities to drastically reduce our emissions.

Shifting to clean, renewable sources of energy, adopting zero-emission vehicles and equipment, and advancing carbon removal technologies will go a long way toward shaping Metro Vancouver’s low-carbon future.

Looking for more de​tail on our industry and business ​strategies?

Download the ​Climate 2050 Industry and Business​ Roadmap​

We envision clean industry & business

By 2050, Metro Vancouver will boast a thriving carbon-neutral economy built on clean and climate resilient industry and business. Most buildings, vehicles, and equipment will run on electricity. Businesses design and deliver goods and services that minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Hard-to-electrify manufacturing processes will be fuelled by low-carbon hydrogen and biofuels. And residual emissions will be captured and safely and permanently stored away. In addition, industrial facilities, equipment and supply chains will be resilient, ready to withstand the effects of our already-changing climate.




Our commitment: A region that is both carbon-neutral and resilient to the changing climate by 2050.

Today, half of our region’s emissions come from commercial activity

Industries and businesses in the Metro Vancouver region are essential to British Columbia’s economic growth, providing jobs for over half of BC’s workers and generating more than $150 billion in GDP. They are also key to our fight against climate change. In fact, industry and business produce about half of the region’s greenhouse gases. The major contributor of these emissions? The fossil fuels used to power buildings, industrial facilities, vehicles, and equipment, as well as the greenhouse gases that result from high-temperature manufacturing processes.

To achieve our target of clean industry and business, we need to shift away from fossil fuels, invest in zero-emission vehicles and equipment, and explore carbon capture and sequestration technologies.

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Addressing climate change is a two-part process


Reducing greenhouse gases with clean, renewable energy and zero-emission buildings, vehicles, and equipment.

Reducing greenhouse gases with clean, renewable energy and zero-emission buildings, vehicles, and equipment.

Adapting to the irreversible effects of climate change with resilient facilities and secure supply chains.

Adapting to the irreversible effects of climate change with resilient facilities and secure supply chains.


Expected climate change impacts​

Expected Climate Change Impacts

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What about ‘carbon l​eakage’?

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​​Carbon leakage​  ​​​​​​​
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​​​​When a region imposes stringent regulations, it risks setting off an unintended chain reaction. Businesses may move out of the area, taking with them the jobs and tax revenues that the region once enjoyed. And the emissions these businesses produced aren’t reduced – they just move elsewhere; in fact, overall emissions may actually increase if the relocation results in longer shipping distances.

Industries that use more energy and those th​at compete internation​ally for market share are especially likely to ‘leak,’ as are capital-intensive businesses that would incur prohibitively high costs to replace their existing equipment. The solution? Creating a level playing field by ensuring that the region’s climate regulations are in line with those throughout the province and across the country.

​Our go​als: carbon-neutral, resilient industry & b​usiness by 2050

 

 

GOAL 1: By 2050, all of our industrial facilities will be carbon neutral.GOAL 1: By 2050, all of our industrial facilities will be carbon neutral.<div class="ExternalClass3AEACF652EB94620B2AB5CA9A361F5A1"><p> <strong>Our target for 2030:</strong></p><ul><li>35% reduction in emissions relative to 2010</li></ul><p>​<strong>​Our target for 2050:</strong></p><ul><li>The sector is carbon neutral<br></li></ul></div>
GOAL 2: By 2050, all of our non-road equipment will be powered by clean, renewable energy.GOAL 2: By 2050, all of our non-road equipment will be powered by clean, renewable energy.<div class="ExternalClass0FAE5DB684FC4613A071F73AB115F262"><p> <strong>Our target for 2030:</strong></p><ul><li>35% reduction in emissions relative to 2010</li></ul><p>​<strong>​Our target for 2050:</strong></p><ul><li>​​100% reduction in emissions<br></li></ul></div>
GOAL 3: By 2050, all of our industries and businesses will be resilient to the impacts of climate change.GOAL 3: By 2050, all of our industries and businesses will be resilient to the impacts of climate change.<div class="ExternalClass6B15A1851EE6464580F305507C3E3569"><p> <strong>Our target for 2030:</strong></p><ul><li>All existing unmitigated climate hazards that could impact operations and supply chains have been identified</li></ul><p>​<strong>​Our target for 2050:</strong></p><ul><li>​​​​All industries and businesses are resilient to climate change</li></ul></div>

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These 8 strategies are helping us reach our goals:​

 

 

1. Accelerating emission reductions from industrial facilities.1. Accelerating emission reductions from industrial facilities.<div class="ExternalClass4E277E61B3744E6484A333041EA538DB"><p>Potential reduction in greenhouse gases each year:</p><ul><li>By 203​0: 520,000 tonnes</li><li>By 2050: 2,000,000 tonnes</li></ul><p>We’re advocating for more stringent requirements – such as increases to the carbon tax and mandatory carbon offsets – for large industrial emitters. We’re also adding GHG-reduction requirements into Metro Vancouver’s emission regulations and permits. And we’re encouraging the provincial government to set content requirements for renewable gas.</p> </div>
2. Reducing non-road emissions and supporting early adoption of zero-emission non-road equipment.2. Reducing non-road emissions and supporting early adoption of zero-emission non-road equipment.<div class="ExternalClass1EC1A0E414314B3C8A7750A4FD77FB86"><p>Potential reduction in greenhouse gases each year:</p><ul><li>By 2030: 220,000 tonnes</li><li>By 2050: 1,800,000 tonnes</li></ul><p>We’re introducing stricter regional emission requirements for non-road diesel engines, and we’re advocating for higher federal fuel-economy and emission standards for new non-road equipment.​<br></p></div>
3. Exploring opportunities for technological carbon capture. 3. Exploring opportunities for technological carbon capture. <div class="ExternalClassFB2A93D6E81E4EF8B442A1563A90BA4D"><p>​​Along with industry, academia, and other partners, we’re exploring the potential of carbon-capture technologies, including looking at opportunities for pilot projects and researching possible uses for captured emissions.​<br></p></div>
4. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through procurement and other business practices.4. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through procurement and other business practices.<div class="ExternalClass1D375809917B4C93900B44357C3B1059"><p>We’re working with partners to develop guidance on prioritizing low-carbon products, equipment, and services for construction and other projects. And we’re encouraging the provincial and federal governments to include climate considerations – like public disclosure of carbon footprints – in financial reporting and other business practices.​<br></p></div>
5. Assessing climate vulnerabilities for businesses in the region.5. Assessing climate vulnerabilities for businesses in the region.<div class="ExternalClassC1C2EC92195A4905844151CE63350A40"><p>We’re partnering with the provincial government and industry to identify hazards so that businesses will be able to make more informed decisions in the face of climate change.​<br></p></div>
6. Supporting industry and business resilience to flooding through better information and planning. 6. Supporting industry and business resilience to flooding through better information and planning. <div class="ExternalClass21BFDDFA9DEC4AEEBE75A8E3B7E0D3E6"><p>We’re collaborating with the Fraser Basin Council and others to help business and industry bolster their resilience to floods, providing information, for example, on how green infrastructure can be used to minimize damage to industrial and commercial lands.​<br></p></div>
7. Improving business resilience to extreme heat and air quality events.7. Improving business resilience to extreme heat and air quality events.<div class="ExternalClassFBCC5B78BF7648EE84BBE83FDBAF2E8B"><p>We’re working with health authorities, WorkSafeBC, and others to provide the information workers and employers need to ensure that employee health, business operations, and supply chains all remain strong in the face of extreme heat and air quality issues.​<br></p></div>
8. Supporting industrial water conservation to increase resilience to shifting precipitation patterns. 8. Supporting industrial water conservation to increase resilience to shifting precipitation patterns. <div class="ExternalClass5AB937B1D79540B187D3EADA4AB24229"><p>We’re advocating for the highest water-efficiency standards and for water-efficiency retrofit incentives and rebates to ensure that industry and business can operate effectively during heat waves, droughts, and other climate events that can decrease the supply of high-quality water.​​<br></p></div>

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Real-life solutions that work


Zero-emission worksites
Zero-emission worksites

Because BC electricity is largely generated by hydropower, it offers a renewable and emission-free way to fuel not only our region’s cars, but our worksites, too. Electric versions of some things, like forklifts, are already widely available. Other electric equipment – for demolition and cargo handling, for example – isn’t prevalent yet, but is becoming increasingly viable. Along with the reduction in emissions, making the switch to electric brings improved air quality to jobsites – and improved health for workers.

Hydrogen and biofuels
Hydrogen and biofuels

Today, fossil fuels account for more than 75 per cent of the energy used in manufacturing. But some industries, especially those involving high-temperature thermal processes, aren’t well suited to electrification. For them, switching from high-carbon fuel, like coal or coke, to cleaner options, like hydrogen or low-carbon biofuel, provides a feasible way to reduce GHG emissions. For difficult-to-electrify heavy equipment and large trucks – which typically run on diesel or gas – zero-emission “green” hydrogen technologies are also emerging. In the meantime, low-carbon biofuels – including vegetable oil-based biodiesel, corn- and sugar cane-based ethanol, and renewable natural gas made from decomposing waste – offer a short-term solution.

Carbon-capture technology
Carbon-capture technology

Switching from fossil fuels to clean energy sources is key to reducing emissions – but it isn’t always enough. Some industrial processes, like cement manufacturing, involve chemical reactions that themselves produce significant emissions. Advancements in carbon-capture technology, though, are making it increasingly possible to remove these residual emissions from the atmosphere to be safely and permanently stored away.

​​​​​​​What ca​​​​n I do?​

While reaching our goals will require a number of large, structural changes, there are also things that we can do on an individual level every day. As workers, we can advocate for low-carbon solutions within our organizations – whether that means reducing our corporate travel, sourcing green office supplies, or organizing carpools. As consumers, we can influence the way business and industry operate by using our purchasing power to demand low-carbon products and services.

​Clean industry & business benefit everyone

We know that implementing the necessary changes will require determination, financial investment, strong collaboration, and a focus on social equity. But we are committed to ensuring that the results will benefit us all.

When our industries and businesses run on clean energy and our residual emissions are captured and stored, we’ll dramatically reduce our region’s contribution to climate change and improve our air quality and health. When we make our facilities and supply chains more resilient, we can ensure our economy can withstand the effects of the changing climate, protecting our jobs along the way. And when we position our businesses as global leaders in climate solutions, we can unlock a massive market for made-in-BC technologies.


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Me​tro Vancouver’s C​​limate 2050 strategy brings local context to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goalswhich are intended to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of future generations. Our Industry & Business Roadmap aligns with the UN’s 9th and 11th goals – building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation, while making all human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. ​

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​Industry is one of Metro Vancouver’s ten Climate 2050 priorities

 

 

Nature and Ecosytemshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/nature-and-ecosystems, Nature and EcosytemsNature and Ecosytemshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-nature-ecosystems-icon.svg, Naure and Ecosystems icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-nature-ecosystems-icon.svg
Water and Wastewater Infrastructurehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/water-and-wastewater-infrastructure, Water and Wastewater InfrastructureWater and Wastewater Infrastructurehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-water-wastewater-icon.svg, Water and Wastewater icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-water-wastewater-icon.svg
Human Health and Well-Beinghttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/human-health-and-well-being, Human Health and Well-BeingHuman Health and Well-Beinghttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-human-health-icon.svg, Human Health icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-human-health-icon.svg
Buildingshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/buildings, BuildingsBuildingshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-buildings-icon.svg, Buildings icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-buildings-icon.svg
Transportationhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/transportation, TransportationTransportationhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-transportation-icon.svg, Transportation icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-transportation-icon.svg
Energyhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/energy, EnergyEnergyhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-energy-icon.svg, Energy icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-energy-icon.svg
Land Use and Urban Formhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/land-use-and-urban-form, Land Use and Urban FormLand Use and Urban Formhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-land-use-icon.svg, Land use icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-land-use-icon.svg
Agriculturehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/agriculture, AgricultureAgriculturehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-agriculture-icon.svg, Industry icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-agriculture-icon.svg
Wastehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/climate-2050/regional-priorities/waste, WasteWastehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-waste-icon.svg, Waste icon https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/PublishingImages/climate-2050-waste-icon.svg

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Boost your climate literacy


Take our online learning program and become part of the climate conversation.

Climate Literacy​

 Related links

 

 

Lights, Camera, Climate Action: Report on Clean Power Alternatives for the Film Industryhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/Documents/lights-camera-climate-action-report.pdf, Lights, Camera, Climate Action: Report on Clean Power Alternatives for the Film IndustryLights, Camera, Climate Action: Report on Clean Power Alternatives for the Film Industry

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