We Care About Climate Change
TransCanada earned its score of 99B out of 100 on the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index by disclosing high-quality carbon emissions and energy data through CDP’s climate change program.
There’s a piece of pipeline equipment about the size of a small briefcase that is more symbolic than you might think. As natural gas is pushed through the pipeline during normal compressor operation, the “two-stage supersonic ejector” captures emissions of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – that would have previously been vented into the atmosphere. Funded by TransCanada, the ejector’s successful implementation and patent exemplifies how the private sector continues to move ahead in terms of reducing emissions.
But equally important to the work itself is the conversation about how companies manage their emissions. On that front, TransCanada has been identified for the fourth year running as a leader for the quality of climate change related information it has disclosed to investors and the global marketplace. This recognition comes from CDP, the international not-for-profit that drives business and government action on climate change.
Industry-leading score
TransCanada earned its score of 99B on the index by disclosing high-quality carbon emissions and energy data through CDP’s climate change program. The reported data was independently assessed against CDP’s scoring methodology and marked out of 100. Those who received a grade within the top 10 per cent constitute the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). As well as reaching the CDLI for the fourth year running, TransCanada’s score ranked in the top two percent of Canadian energy companies.
“We recognize the importance of maintaining transparency and disclosure as we continue to deliver the energy North Americans need each day in a safe and environmentally responsible manner,” says Kristine Delkus, TransCanada executive vice-president, Stakeholder Relations and General Counsel. “That’s why we’ve publicly documented our approach to managing greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change-related activities for nearly 20 years. It matters to our stakeholders, and it matters to us.”
The news comes three weeks ahead of COP21, the UN climate change conference in Paris, where international leaders will meet to discuss a global deal to reduce carbon emissions and limit temperature warming.
Looking beyond the UN climate change conference
At the request of 822 investors representing US$95 trillion in assets, thousands of companies submit annual climate disclosures to CDP. Top scores indicate a high level of transparency in the disclosure of climate change related information, providing investors with a level of comfort to assess corporate accountability and preparedness for changing market demands and emissions regulation.
Paul Dickinson, executive chairman and co-founder of CDP says, “As the world looks beyond the Paris climate change negotiations and prepares for a low carbon future, reliable information about how companies are responding to the transition will be ever more valuable. For this reason we congratulate those businesses that have achieved a position on CDP’s Climate Disclosure Leadership Index.”
More third-party recognition
Last week, TransCanada also received a ranking on Canada’s top 100 corporate R&D spenders list by Research Infosource Inc., Canada’s Source of R&D Intelligence, for its industry-leading research and development program that is focused on improving the safety and efficiency of its pipeline and power generation operations.
TransCanada also earned a position on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World and North America indices this fall, with scores above the DJSI industry average in almost every category in the economic, environmental and social dimensions.
“We consider our business decisions in terms of achieving top environmental performance and positive socioeconomic outcomes,” says Delkus. “The result is an unwavering commitment to operating sustainably and delivering on the commitments we make to our stakeholders.”
Managing greenhouse gases
As well as its $5 billion emission-less energy portfolio, TransCanada has a multi-decade legacy of investing in research and innovation to manage greenhouse gas emissions from its pipeline assets. These investments into new technology complement the company’s management programs for its natural gas and liquids pipelines, which remain the safest and most efficient method for transporting energy to North Americans.
CDP’s annual global climate change report, along with the climate scores of all companies publicly taking part in CDP’s climate change program this year, is available on CDP’s website.
Read more about TransCanada’s commitment to sustainable operations.
