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

Chart: Industry accounted for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 - 19% from oil and gas and 21% from other industry.

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:

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 
Chart: Breakdown of industrial emissions in 2021. 
48% from producing oil and gas. 
16% from manufacturing industries.
14% from industrial process and product use.
7% from mining.
4% from public electricity and heat production. 
And 11% from other industry.

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.

B.C. is taking action

Explore how we’re working with industries and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.