Industry
We are finding innovative ways to use our abundant natural resources while protecting future generations.
Industry’s role in climate action
Industries in B.C. benefit from a wealth of natural resources. This allows us to:
- Mine minerals used in electronics and manufacturing
- Power the hot fires needed to extract and refine metal
- Make wood products, such as building lumber, pulp, and paper
- Make glass, cement and other building materials
We still use fossil fuels for many industrial processes. Our industries are making progress in using clean, renewable energy and innovative technology already and there is more to do.
Tracking industrial emissions
Industry and B.C.’s total pollution
Industry accounted for 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in B.C. in 2021.
- 19% from oil and gas emissions
- 21% from other industries
This does not include:
- Off-road vehicles: Emissions caused by off-road vehicles like mining trucks and tractors are included in B.C.’s transportation emissions totals.
- Buildings: Energy used to heat buildings is included in B.C.’s building emissions totals. By 2030, all new buildings in B.C. will be required to have zero emissions.
- Farms: Farming and food production are also sources of greenhouse gases. Energy usage on farms is included in B.C.’s agricultural emissions totals.
Reporting industrial climate emissions
Any industrial operation in B.C. that emits more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year must report their emissions to the Province. This data is made public in the BC Industrial GHG Public Report.
In 2021, producing oil and gas in B.C. caused 48% of our industrial greenhouse gas emissions. Other industries combined made up the remainder:
- 16% manufacturing industries
- 14% industrial processes and product use
- 11% other industry
- 7% mining
- 4% public electricity and heat production
Our path to cleaner industry
We have set targets to reduce industrial emissions by 2030:
- Oil and gas: 33-38% below 2007 levels
- Other industry: 38-43% below 2007 levels
By 2030, we have also committed to:
- Reducing pollution from using fossil fuel natural gas to 47% below 2007 levels
- Reducing methane emissions from oil and gas production to 75% below 2014 levels
- Cleaning up 100% of unused and abandoned oil and gas wells
- Ending B.C.’s biggest oil and gas subsidy program
Putting a price on emissions
Putting a price on emissions is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce emissions and encourage innovation. B.C.’s carbon tax includes a system called the B.C. Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS). The OBPS follows the federal model for carbon pollution pricing.
The B.C. OBPS encourages industrial emitters to reduce their emissions. An established limit determines how much they can emit. Industrial facilities will pay for any portion of their emissions above this limit instead of paying carbon tax on fuels they buy.
The Energy Action Framework
The new Energy Action Framework builds on CleanBC actions to support clean economic growth. Through the framework:
- All proposed liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities with new or in process environmental assessments must pass an emissions test. These facilities must plan to be net zero by 2030.
- A regulatory emissions cap for the oil and gas industry will ensure the sector meets its 2030 emissions-reduction target.
- A new office will fast track investment in clean energy and technology and sustainable jobs in the transition to a cleaner economy.
- The new BC Hydro task force will help accelerate electrification to power more homes, businesses and industries with renewable electricity.
The framework aligns with the federal government’s commitment to a nationwide cap on oil and gas sector emissions.
B.C. is taking action
Explore how we’re working with industries and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
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Capturing carbon dioxide from industry and storing it underground
We’re updating and clarifying the regulations about carbon capture and storage (CCS). In CCS, carbon dioxide from industrial facilities is captured and stored permanently, deep underground.
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Funding cleaner industrial operations
We’re using revenue from B.C.’s carbon tax to fund projects that reduce industrial emissions.
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Making producers responsible for more products and packaging
We’re increasing producer responsibility for waste recovery and recycling.
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Putting a price on greenhouse gas emissions
We apply a tax to buying and using fossil fuels. The tax covers approximately 70% of provincial greenhouse gas emissions.
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Reducing industrial clean energy rates
Discounted industrial energy rates help lower the cost of using electricity. This makes electricity more competitive with fossil fuels.
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Requiring industry to plan for net-zero emissions
We’re establishing new planning requirements for industrial facilities. All new, large facilities will need to reduce their emissions to net-zero by 2050. They will also have to report on their progress.
