We are taking aggressive actions based on the Science Based Targets initiative (STBi) to reduce our greenhouse gases emission by 5% per year.
Below, David McDivitt, Director, Corporate Program Management speaks to Teknion's approach and strategies for transitioning to a low carbon economy. In his words, "It is not going to be easy, but we will get there."
How is your approach to carbon reduction evolving?
We want to look at not just how much energy we are using (natural gas, electricity, propane etc.), but also consider where that energy comes from and whether it is a low carbon or high carbon source. This way we can make more effective choices to reduce our absolute carbon footprint and align ourselves with a low carbon economy.
Why are you targeting your emissions strategies regionally?
We are taking a more detailed look at where our emissions come from at a regional level. Teknion has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide that span five significantly different regions in terms of geography and climate. For example, our facilities in Quebec and Calgary experience cold winter months, and therefore use more natural gas as part of their heating systems, than our Malaysian operations that are predominantly warm and humid year-round. In addition to examining how energy is used, we also consider where our energy source is coming from
– like Quebec’s power grid that is predominantly supplied by lower emitting hydro-electricity. Looking at these factors together, we may see that while one facility may use more electricity than natural gas, their natural gas usage actually contributed more carbon emissions to that facility’s total. This approach enables us to really examine the carbon intensity at our facilities, then adjust our priorities and investments to ensure they are targeted at reducing our highest emitting activities first.