One hot topic conversation many are having surrounds clean energy and climate solutions. Many are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. DP World Canada recognizes the efforts of those who work to improve the environment for everyone. The Pembina Institute is one such organization, using their energy expertise to reduce carbon footprints and find climate solutions.
What Does the Pembina Institute Do?
The Pembina Institute is Canada’s leading source of energy policy expertise. A non-profit think tank, their work involves research, analysis, and factual recommendations that help to inform energy-related policies. They look at successful clean energy policies in other countries and translate them in a way that applies to Canada specifically.
The Pembina Institute works to advance the clean energy future for Canada through policy solutions that support communities, the environment, and a safe climate. They initiate conversations about climate solutions with leaders from government, industry, communities, and the nonprofit sector. These conversations lead to identifying common ground and a path forward with actionable solutions.
A Brief History of the Pembina Institute
Almost 40 years ago, a major sour gas incident occurred in Alberta. This incident, known as the Lodgepole blowout, unfortunately took the lives of two Canadians and polluted the air for weeks on end. It was discovered that the blowout was the result of poorly regulated energy development.
After the incident, a small group of rural Albertans gathered together and demanded stricter regulations on drilling sour gas wells. The resulting regulations were then enacted on a province-wide basis.
The members of this small group went on to form the Pembina Institute. Since then, the Pembina Institute has grown outside of Alberta into other areas of Canada. They now have offices in areas including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto. They research clean energy policy and make recommendations to the government that are based on evidence.
Reducing Carbon Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One current focus of the Pembina Institute is working to reduce carbon pollution from Canadian homes and buildings. To do this successfully, they advocate building standards strong enough to ensure new buildings are built to net-zero energy ready standards. These standards mean that a building has the potential to produce enough renewable energy on site to offset their own energy usage.
While these standards work great for new builds, there are still many existing buildings that need to be upgraded for the changing climate. They are working to lift existing buildings to a new standard by retrofitting them to be energy efficient and low carbon.
In addition to working with buildings, the Pembina Institute is working tirelessly on climate policy in B.C. This means making sure British Columbia has plans in place to reach climate targets and to produce renewable energy we’ll need in the future.
The Catalyst Business Alliance on Energy and Climate Policy
The Pembina Institute also works with businesses to find policy solutions that benefit a sustainable energy future. They’ve even initiated an organization called the Catalyst Business Alliance, which is specifically designed to help businesses get involved in climate solutions.
The Catalyst Business Alliance is a network of Canadian companies that work together to champion strong climate and energy policy and create a resilient economy that benefits customers, employers, communities, and the environment.
Member companies have gone on to participate in forums and send joint letters to government officials regarding policy recommendations and support for a cleaner economy.
The ‘Why’ Behind It All
More than just what they do, the Pembina Institute’s mission is built on a very important ‘why.’ Climate change is one of the most pressing issues for the world and has already affected many. Without climate solutions, climate change will continue to affect this generation’s children and their families.
The Pembina Institute’s commitment to clean energy and climate solutions is built on the hope of a better future and the sustainable economy to support that future. Their goal is ultimately to make the world a better place and to address climate change in an equitable manner.
With climate change continuing to be a hot topic, DP World Canada is glad to see organizations like the Pembina Institute spearheading a sustainable future for all Canadians. To learn more, visit their website and stay up to date with their work by following them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.