Industry
B.C. makes resources the world needs, and we often rely on fossil fuels to do it.
Healthy industry slows climate change
We use huge amounts of fossil fuels to:
- Mine minerals used in electronics and manufacturing
- Power the hot fires needed to extract and refine metal
- Make pulp, paper and other useful things from wood
- Make glass, steel, cement and other building materials
- Make chemical fertilizers for farming
B.C. is already making progress towards clean, renewable energy and innovative technology. We know we need to do even more to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Tracking pollution from industry
Industry and B.C.’s total pollution
Industry, not including the use of oil and gas for energy, accounted for 39% of climate pollution in B.C. in 2020.
Breaking down industrial climate pollution
In 2019:
- Producing oil and gas in B.C. caused 50% of our industrial climate pollution
- Other industry caused 50% of B.C.’s industrial climate pollution
What this data does not include
Some off-road vehicles
Pollution caused by off-road vehicles like mining trucks and tractors is included in B.C.’s transportation pollution totals.
Heating buildings
Pollution caused by using oil and gas to heat buildings is included in B.C.’s building pollution totals.
Fuel use on farms
Pollution caused by using oil and gas for energy on farms is included in B.C.’s agricultural pollution totals.
Reducing pollution from industry
B.C. has set a target of reducing industrial emissions by 38-43% below 2007 levels by 2030.
We’re requiring new large industrial facilities to have a plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
And we are also working to bring industrial methane emissions to near-zero by 2035.
Learn more about how B.C. sets climate pollution goals.
The oil and gas sector is required to make a meaningful contribution to B.C.’s climate targets.
Our goal is to reduce pollution from producing oil and gas to 33-38% below 2007 levels.
By 2030, B.C. has committed to:
- Reducing pollution from using fossil fuel natural gas to 47% below 2007 levels
- Reducing methane emissions from producing oil and gas 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
B.C. is taking action
Explore how we’re working with industries and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
CleanBC Industry Fund
Using carbon tax revenue to fund cleaner industrial operations.
Carbon capture and storage regulations
Updating and clarifying the regulations about storing carbon dioxide underground, to help industry begin projects.
Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy
Supporting B.C.’s clean energy innovators to grow and thrive in a global market.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Standard
Setting a limit on pollution by natural gas utilities for 2030.
Reviewing the Oil and Gas Royalty System
Funding climate action by making oil and gas producers pay more royalties. Ending B.C.’s biggest oil and gas subsidy program.
Using biomaterials in manufacturing
Exploring new policies requiring biomaterials such as wood fibre to be used when making packaging, consumer goods and biochemicals.
