BC Hydro has released its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report sharing its long-standing and more recent sustainability practices from across the company.
The report titled "Powering a sustainable B.C." [PDF, 7.8 MB] outlines the steps BC Hydro is taking to continue its long history of contributing to the growth, well-being, and economic prosperity of B.C., in five key areas - maintaining the resiliency of the electricity system while advancing electrification, managing its environmental impact, acting in the public interest, powering the potential of its employees, and working towards meaningful and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. These key areas connect to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
Highlights of BC Hydro's actions as outlined in the report include:
- Providing $260 million in incentives and programs to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in B.C. homes, businesses, transportation, and industry through its Electrification Plan in support of CleanBC. With 98 per cent low-carbon or renewable energy generation, BC Hydro is well-positioned to support B.C.'s move away from fossil fuels.
- Investing $3.9 billion in Fiscal 2023 to upgrade aging assets and build new infrastructure to ensure reliability of the electricity system in a changing climate.
- Reducing its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent between 2007 and 2022.
- Providing over $1.2 million per year in donations to non-profits and community organizations in B.C.
- Supporting low carbon electricity for Indigenous communities, including working with the Haida Nation on a solar project to reduce diesel use for electricity generation.
- Providing $227 million in contracts to Indigenous-designated businesses in Fiscal 2023, and over $179,000 in scholarships for Indigenous students.
- Investing over $230 million in reducing or mitigating the impact of its infrastructure and operations on B.C. ecosystems including wetlands and forests and through partnerships like the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP). This work includes building osprey platforms, installing bird diverters, building fish screens and passages, partnering to build a salmon hatchery, and recently building a wetland complex in the drawdown zone of its Arrow Lakes Reservoir.
- Being recognized as one of B.C. and Canada's Top Employers in 2023, as well as one of Canada's Top 100 Diversity Employers, and Greenest Employers.
BC Hydro recognizes and continually works to manage the impacts of its operations on the environment and the communities it serves, a responsibility it takes seriously.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468
