Commitments to External Initiatives
United Nations Principle 15, the “Precautionary Approach”
With the goal of establishing a new and equitable global partnership through the creation of new levels of cooperation among states, societies and people, and recognizing the integral and interdependent nature of the Earth, the United Nations adopted 27 principles at its Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. Among these was Principle 15, the “Precautionary Approach,” which states that:
"In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation."
While Enbridge has not formally adopted the precautionary approach, we have informally done so by developing renewable and alternative energy solutions – in the form of wind power and hybrid fuel cells – and by finding ways we can cost-effectively capture carbon dioxide before it is emitted into the atmosphere – such as through the carbon sequestration project we are leading, known as the Alberta Saline Aquifer Project (ASAP).
Externally developed economic, environmental, and social charters, principles, or other initiatives to which Enbridge subscribes or endorses
Enbridge recognizes the increasing public demand for corporations to be accountable and transparent in all of their business activities, and to be seen as proactively dealing with the issues of the day. With that in mind, and in keeping with our commitment to transparency and CSR, in 2002, we adopted the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which deals with responsible corporate action in conflict zones, and is relevant to our business involvement in OCENSA in Colombia. We incorporated these principles into our Statement on Business Conduct.
In addition, in 2003, Enbridge became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, and committed to following its principles. The compact is an initiative that brings companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support principles in the areas of human rights, labour, and the environment. Enbridge has committed to support and advance the Global Compact’s principles and to make them part of our strategy, culture and daily operations.
Memberships in associations and advocacy organizations in which Enbridge has positions in governance bodies, participates in projects or committees, provides substantive funding, or views membership as strategic.
Enbridge maintains membership or associate status in a number of associations and advocacy organizations, including:
- Alberta Chamber of Commerce
- Alberta Emerald Foundation
- American Association of Oil Pipelines
- American Gas Association
- American Petroleum Institute
- Association for Financial Professionals
- Atlantic Centre for Energy
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
- Canadian Business for Social Responsibility
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Canadian Defense and Foreign Affairs Institute
- Canadian District Energy Association
- Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
- Canadian Gas Association
- Canadian Petroleum Tax Society
- Canadian Standards Association
- Canadian Wind Energy Association
- Conference Board of Canada
- Energy Council of Canada
- Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
- International Pipeline Conference Foundation
- London Benchmarking Group Canada
- National Association of Corrosion Engineers
- National Petroleum Council
- Northeast Gas Association
- Ontario Energy Association
- Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada
- Pipeline Research Council International
- Smart Commute Initiative (Toronto)
- Texas Pipeline Association