B.C. public-sector organizations such as school districts and health authorities now have access to an electronic tool that will streamline their carbon-neutral government reporting requirements.

The new electronic data exchange (EDX) was developed by the Province in partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro. It allows energy data from these utilities to be fed automatically into “SMARTTool” to reduce administrative costs associated with measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

SMARTTool is the standardized GHG emissions measurement and reporting software used by all provincial public-sector organizations, as well as more than 40% of local governments. Its use enables consistency and accuracy in reporting emissions across more than 240 public-sector organizations while reducing their need for specialized training or staff in GHG accounting.

The introduction of EDX will reduce manual data entry of energy usage, further improve data accuracy and enable a greater focus by public-sector organizations on energy efficiency and related costs savings.

Quotes:

Minister of Environment Mary Polak -

“B.C. was the first jurisdiction in North America to become carbon neutral across its public sector - and remains the only carbon-neutral province or state on the continent. This achievement was made possible through the hard work of the province’s public-sector organizations. And now, with the help of BC Hydro and FortisBC, the new electronic data exchange will make the measuring and reporting of utility data easier than ever.”

Joanna Sofield, general manager, Power Smart, BC Hydro -

“In B.C. we are lucky to have a hydro-electric system that provides primarily clean electricity. When you combine this with the electricity conservation and efficiency opportunities available through Power Smart, B.C. businesses and public-sector organizations have a real opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint.”

Jason Wolfe, director, energy solutions, FortisBC -

“We are pleased to team up with the Province to help B.C. meet its energy reduction commitments. EDX will make it more efficient for public-sector organizations to monitor and track energy use. With this data, they can then take steps to lower their energy consumption through energy-efficient measures and practices.”

Tanja Stockmann, environmental sustainability manager, Interior Health Authority -

“Having participated in the pilot of the EDX system, Interior Health Authority believes it will streamline and reduce manual input of our utility data from BC Hydro and FortisBC, enabling us to remain focused on our carbon reduction efforts.”

Mauricio Acosta, director, energy and environmental sustainability, Lower Mainland Facilities Management for Fraser Health Authority, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health -

“As a volunteer in the SMARTTool electronic data exchange (EDX) pilot, Fraser Health Authority directly experienced how this new tool automates the process of utility data collection and entry. We are looking forward to its full implementation, confident that EDX will enable our team to be more focused on GHG emission reduction projects and programs.”

Quick Facts:

• Other recent enhancements to B.C.’s carbon-neutral government program include:
  • The successful Carbon Neutral Capital Program for K-to-12 schools was expanded to include health authorities and public post-secondary institutions, with a total of $14.5 million in funding available annually.
  • SMARTTool administration costs associated with the measurement of GHG emissions are no longer charged to public-sector organizations, resulting in $850,000 in cost savings annually.
• These enhancements were made in response to consultation with leaders from the academic, health care and other provincial public-sector organizations.

Learn More:

Visit the Climate Action Secretariat’s website at: www.env.gov.bc.ca/cas/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834