Industry

B.C. makes resources the world needs, and we often rely on fossil fuels to do it. 

Industry is a driver of climate change in B.C.

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. 

Lafarge Canada Inc.'s Richmond Cement Plant - on track to substitute over 50% of fossil fuel use with cleaner alternatives.

Tracking pollution from industry 

39% of climate pollution in B.C. in 2020 came from industry. 61% came from other sources, including using oil and gas for energy.

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 
B.C.'s 2020 industrial climate pollution came from several sources. 
50% came from producing oil and gas. 
16% came from manufacturing.
15% came from industrial processes and product use.
11% came from agriculture and forestry.
6% came from mining.
2% came from other industry.

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.   

Many steel pipes at the Encana Saturn Sister Compression Station near Dawson Creek

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.