We recognize that climate change is a global issue and that we all have a role to play in addressing it.
We believe that a low-carbon future can support a sustainable, competitive business environment while creating new opportunities for companies like Enbridge. The ability to diversify our business mix—and to substantially increase our natural gas business—was a key driver in our combination with Spectra Energy. We believe natural gas has and will continue to play a critical role in meeting society’s demand for energy and—because it is a less carbon-intensive fuel than other hydrocarbons—supporting global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals. More broadly, our diversification enables us to leverage all of our company’s assets—liquids pipelines; renewable energy; and natural gas transmission, distribution and storage infrastructure—to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, while keeping pace with the world’s growing energy needs.
We are taking measurable steps toward a low-carbon future.
Our strategy to address the climate impacts resulting from our business and to support the global transition to a low-carbon economy includes:
Recognizing our stakeholders’ interest in how we’re addressing climate change related risks and opportunities, we’re developing a separate report aligned to the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
We anticipate publishing our report in late 2018.
We recognize that for us to play a key role in the transition to a low-carbon future and support the achievement of national and global emission reduction goals, we must take a proactive approach to reducing our own carbon footprint. That approach includes a focus on reducing the carbon intensity of our operations through enhanced energy efficiency and a commitment to continuously improve the way we manage methane emissions from our facilities.
*2017 data includes emissions related to assets and operations added through the combination with Spectra Energy which closed February 27, 2017. Detailed data for all business segments and historical data for Spectra Energy is available in the data tables at csr.enbridge.com.
Offices and Buildings
We build and/or lease new facilities that meet LEED standards. In 2017, we also consolidated our offices in Houston, Edmonton and Calgary, resulting in a significant reduction in our real estate footprint.
Vehicles
Enbridge Gas Distribution has the largest natural gas vehicle (NGV) fleet in Canada.
Union Gas achieved 92% of its 2017 fuel efficiency target for its vehicle fleet. For 2018, Union Gas has set an idling target for its vehicle fleet to support our commitment to reducing discretionary idling.
Virtual Meeting Solutions
Our network of more than 100 TelePresence videoconferencing meeting rooms provides an alternative to business travel. In 2017, our employees held 8,621 meetings via TelePresence.
Carbon Capture and Storage
Several of our natural gas facilities in Canada use CCS technology. On average, these facilities remove and store over 10 to 20 kilotons of CO2 per year.
Systems Optimization
To reduce electricity consumption, we optimize the performance of the pumps that push crude oil through our pipelines.
Construction
We implement several measures that help keep emissions as low as possible during the construction of pipeline projects, including the use of locally sourced and recycled pipe whenever possible, and organizing work sites to reduce travel time and vehicle use by project personnel.
Through a wide range of Demand Side Management (DSM) programs, we encourage our natural gas customers—from homeowners to industrial facilities—to adopt energy-saving equipment and operating practices to reduce their natural gas consumption.
We share our stakeholders’ concerns regarding the impact of global climate change, and our corporate Climate Policy outlines the steps we are taking to manage climate risks and respond to opportunities associated with the transition to low-carbon sources of energy. This Policy is designed to ensure that our strategy and action on climate changerelated issues are aligned with new and emerging market and regulatory trends, and also support ongoing corporate goals for current and future business development and growth.
"Our ongoing dialogue with Enbridge on its approach to the low-carbon energy transition is a good example of why we see such value in engaging with companies. It allows us to ascertain how engaged senior management is on the issue of climate change, and as important, to gain a broader understanding of the company’s strategy for low-carbon resilience."
Read more from Jamie Bonham in our 2017 Corporate Sustainability Report
We see great potential in offshore wind and to date have invested in five large projects in the United Kingdom, France and Germany for a total of approximately 1,009 MW of net generation capacity under development. As of the date of publication of this report, Enbridge has entered into an agreement with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for the sale of a 49 percent interest in select North American onshore renewable power assets owned by Enbridge. In addition, CPPIB and Enbridge have entered into a joint venture agreement for the completion of two German offshore wind projects (Hohe See, and related expansion) and the pursuit of future European offshore wind projects. Enbridge and its affiliates will continue to manage, operate and provide administrative services for the renewable power assets.
Offshore wind is a strong fit for Enbridge, given our history with onshore renewable technology, our majorprojects capability and our experience in working off-shore in the Gulf of Mexico. We plan to continue to grow our offshore renewable generating capacity and be at the forefront of the global transition to a low-carbon future.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with CPPIB in future development of our European offshore wind business, which we believe will have great opportunities for years to come. The combination of our operating and development capability with CPPIB’s resources and experience creates a powerful Canadian champion for developing offshore renewable energy projects in Europe.”
Al Monaco, President & CEO Enbridge Inc.
