The Province is taking action on climate change by setting sectoral greenhouse gas (GHG) targets to guide emission reductions, and supporting people working in B.C. industry and clean tech with investments in new projects to reduce emissions.

“People in British Columbia want steady progress on climate change coupled with good jobs and strong communities, supported by businesses that are reducing pollution and thriving in the global clean economy,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “To achieve this, we are setting sectoral emission targets that will keep government accountable as we work with each sector of the economy to reduce emissions while remaining globally competitive.”

Sectoral GHG targets have been established for 2030 in transportation, industry, oil and gas, and buildings and communities – expressed as a range of five percentage points. British Columbia is the first province in Canada to set sectoral targets covering emissions across the economy. As part of legislated requirements, government will review the targets by 2025, with options to expand the number of sectors included and narrow the percentage ranges.

The Province is supporting sectoral efforts to reduce emissions by accelerating investment in CleanBC projects to reduce pollution, drive clean tech innovation and jobs, and meet expanding global demand for low-carbon products in a net-zero future.

“British Columbia is leading the way forward in Canada by setting sectoral targets that will help increase accountability and clarity for each sector, as we work together to reach a world of net-zero emissions,” said Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, vice-president of corporate relations, Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., and co-chair, B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council. “By investing in new opportunities to reduce emissions through cleaner technologies and energy efficiency, B.C. can build a better future that supports people in communities across the province.”

The Province has launched a new round of applications for emission reduction projects for 2021 through the CleanBC Industry Fund with temporary changes to increase the provincial share of funding up to 90% of project costs with a cap of $25 million per project to encourage a greater number of proposals.

In addition, a new stream of the CleanBC Industry Fund will support industry projects that use advanced clean tech solutions for tough-to-solve emission problems. This new stream is called the Innovation Accelerator.

“By investing in promising clean technologies today, government and industry are accelerating the scale up and adoption of made-in-B.C. innovations that have the potential to significantly reduce emissions, create high-paying jobs and position B.C. as a global leader in sustainability,” said Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Clean Tech Accelerator Centre. “This investment will help demonstrate pre-commercial solutions and support jobs in B.C.’s growing clean tech sector.”

In addition, the Province is investing $33 million in 19 CleanBC Industry Fund projects. This will enable an additional multi-sectoral investment from industry of $51 million in cleaner technology and energy efficiency. Combined, these investments are expected to eliminate 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over the next decade – roughly the same as taking approximately 390,000 cars off the road for a year.

“By working together with government, Pretium Resources has the opportunity to reduce emissions and build on our low-carbon advantage that the hydro-electric power grid provides,” said Jacques Perron, president and CEO, Pretium Resources Inc. “Through the CleanBC Industry Fund, we have initiated the process to introduce battery-electric mine-haul trucks as a replacement for the diesel-fuelled fleet of trucks at the Brucejack Mine.”

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy.

Quotes:

Karen Tam Wu, regional director for British Columbia, Pembina Institute; member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council –

“B.C.'s sectoral targets are an essential tool in accountability for climate action. The targets will help the province track progress toward meeting CleanBC and 2030 emission reduction goals and support achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

Kurt Niquidet, vice-president, Council of Forest Industries; member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council –

“As we continue to produce the sustainably harvested, low-carbon products the world wants and needs, B.C.’s forest sector is also working to reduce our carbon footprint while providing good family-supporting jobs for people in communities across the province. The CleanBC Industry Fund is helping to further reduce emissions at operations through energy efficiency and low-carbon technology improvements.”

Michael McSweeney, president and CEO, Cement Association of Canada –

“The CleanBC Industry Fund is helping build on the innovative work and commitment of cement producers in British Columbia to reduce emissions and support good local jobs. The Canadian cement industry applauds the Government of B.C. on its continued financial commitment to support GHG reductions, support which, through prior funding, has enabled our industry to begin a transition to the use of lower carbon fuels and produce some of the cleanest cement in Canada, including a lower GHG-intensity Portland limestone cement. Our industry is committed to working together with the Horgan government to ensure we reach our goals for a cleaner economy and a stronger future.”

Raghwa Gopal, president and CEO, Innovate BC –

“British Columbia is a global leader in clean tech and innovation with a growing sector that supports good high-paying local jobs for people. Through CleanBC, the Province is partnering with industry and clean tech companies to invest in technologies that have significant potential to reduce emissions and grow market opportunities in the future.”

Learn More:

For more information on the CleanBC Industry Fund and for a full list of projects, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/industryfund

To learn more about CleanBC, visit: www.cleanbc.gov.bc.ca

A backgrounder follows.