Industry and Business

Real-life solutions that work

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

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

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.