Decarbonization has become an essential objective for organizations striving to reduce their carbon footprint. But for those just setting out, the path forward may seem daunting. While the benefits of making a positive impact on the environment are well known and documented, decarbonization strategies must be multi-layered with strict, ambitious targets if an organization hopes to significantly reduce their carbon emissions.
And it’s no longer a matter of choice, but a necessity.
“Everyone has a responsibility to do their part in the face of climate change, particularly property owners and facility managers dealing with large, aging assets,” said Kelly Christensen, Manager, Strategy & Pursuits, Energy & Sustainability. “Pursuing decarbonization strategies that take into account everything from building construction through to operations and end-of-life is the best, and only way forward.”
As global efforts to decarbonize the world’s cities, communities, buildings, and facilities pick up speed, the 2021 Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a framework for Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. But meeting the critical targets set out in the Act won’t be possible unless each organization commits to decarbonization goals of their own.
For those embarking on this complex journey, here are eight recommended steps:
- Establish a carbon footprint baseline.
Every decarbonization journey begins with a baseline year and calculation of an organization’s scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. As a multi-trade service provider, Black & McDonald can support this important first step by determining the methodology for your baseline calculations and collecting your company’s emissions data.
- Set reduction targets.
Once your carbon footprint baseline is established, it’s time to set attainable carbon emission reduction targets that align with local government policies. Black & McDonald recommends adhering to guidelines such as the Net-Zero Standard, which promotes science-based emission reduction targets.
- Maximize carbon emissions reductions.
This step involves identifying your organization’s highest-emitting assets and equipment and replacing them with lower-emitting alternatives. Typically, equipment powered by fossil fuel sources are the highest polluters. Transitioning to electrically powered alternatives, such as electric vehicle fleets and low carbon HVAC systems can significantly reduce emissions.
- Incorporate energy optimization strategies.
Optimizing energy consumption in your facility can be achieved in numerous ways. This includes enhancing your building envelope through measures like improved insulation to reduce heat loss/heat gain and decrease the strain on the building’s HVAC system, adding automated controls to optimize indoor conditions to reduce operating costs, and commissioning and recommissioning.
- Take advantage of renewable energy.
Renewable energy sources offer an indefinite amount of energy while releasing virtually zero carbon emissions. Integrating a renewable energy source on site will substantially reduce energy costs and emissions while enhancing the resiliency of the facility. Black & McDonald has the expertise and supplier relationships needed to determine the most cost-effective mix of renewable energy sources to meet your facility’s specific requirements.
- Purchase green energy.
Opting for green energy, generated through 100% renewable sources, is another effective way to decrease carbon emissions. Black & McDonald can facilitate conversations between your organization and local green energy providers to initiate this process.
- Reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Once you have successfully reduced scope 1 & 2 emissions, it’s time to tackle the more complex Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions typically occur outside of the organization’s primary site of work and may involve changes in employee behaviour or supply chain changes. Scope 3 emission sources that can be targeted include: business travel; employee commuting; waste generation; material transportation; end-of-life treatment; and more.
- Utilize carbon offsets.
In cases where reducing emissions becomes challenging due to limitations in funding or available technology, purchasing carbon offsets is a viable option. Carbon offsets or carbon credits act as a counterweight against your organization’s carbon footprint baseline. Black & McDonald can guide you through the purchasing process and consult on the most suitable carbon offsets that align with your organization’s goals.
“At Black & McDonald, our mission is to provide a path to successful decarbonization and net-zero energy for our clients and our operations,” said Christensen. “We embed energy conservation and sustainability best practices into all our business activities, applying innovative solutions to everyday projects, operations, and facilities. Through our commitment to sustainability and integration of cutting-edge technologies, we help our clients seamlessly make the shift to clean energy sources while maximizing the value of performance data generated by assets, people, and processes.”
To learn more about how Black & McDonald can help you on your decarbonization journey, visit www.blackandmcdonald.com
