October 2, 2002 -
OTTAWA – Canadians will pocket $200 billion in energy savings by 2030 if Ottawa meets and exceeds the Kyoto Protocol’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, says a new study from the David Suzuki Foundation and the Climate Action Network of Canada.
Released in Ottawa today, the report is in stark contrast to claims from powerful business interests that the Kyoto targets are unrealistic and too expensive. Kyoto and Beyond sets out how Canada can dramatically cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, while creating jobs and cutting energy costs at the same time.
“It’s a straightforward approach that is based on existing technologies and practical, proven energy efficiency techniques,” said Ralph Torrie, the report’s author and one of Canada’s leading sustainable energy experts. “It includes retrofitting buildings, using alternative forms of energy and improving public transportation. Taking these steps would move Canada beyond the modest Kyoto target of reducing emission six per cent below 1990 levels. In fact, it puts us on a path to cutting our emissions in half.”
Mr. Torrie’s analysis outlines how energy efficiency in Canada is actually the country’s most important ‘source’ of new energy – efficiency gains provided more new energy than all other sources combined from 1975 to 1998. New energy efficiencies have resulted in the creation of better homes, better appliances and better office machines for Canadians, with consumer savings totaling more than $50 billion since 1975.
While some corporate lobbies continue to fight Kyoto, many forward-thinking companies aren’t waiting for Kyoto to become law and have already implemented measures to reduce emissions. For example, the world’s largest producer of commercial floor coverings, Interface Inc., boasts annual sales of more than $1-billion (U.S.) while significantly cutting emissions.
“There’s no question that companies, countries and communities can reduce emissions and remain prosperous at the same time,” said Ray Anderson, founder and chair of Interface, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Anderson also joined Mr. Torrie to launch the new report in Ottawa. “We can do it by reducing waste at every stage in production and marketing, and by using the best available technologies. It’s good business, and it’s the right thing to do.”
By striving to be a fully sustainable enterprise, Interface has saved $185-million since 1994 by consuming less raw material and energy, managing waste and conserving water.
“The U.S. is going the wrong way by rejecting Kyoto and I urge Canada to take advantage of the opportunities that climate protection measures offer,” said Mr. Anderson.
In 1998, BP, one of the largest petroleum companies in the world, pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to a level 10 per cent below that of 1990 by 2010. In March, the company announced it had already reached its target and was setting more ambitious ones. The emission reduction saved the company $650-million (U.S.) by using energy more efficiently.
“The opponents of Kyoto have argued that reducing harmful emissions will hurt the economy,” said the Pembina Institute’s Matthew Bramley, speaking for the Climate Action Network. “In the real world, the evidence points in the opposite direction. Innovative firms are taking advantage of efficiency opportunities and enhancing their competitiveness. But governments must lead by implementing meaningful regulatory and economic initiatives to meet and exceed our Kyoto targets.”
Kyoto and Beyond examines the role of several sectors, such as transportation and buildings, and proposes long-term emission reduction strategies for each sector using proven, available technologies. These strategies generally take two forms: either they reduce the overall demand for energy, or they substitute low- or zero-emissions technologies for processes that now use coal or oil.
The report concludes these practical, affordable strategies would reduce Canadian emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, while meeting our Kyoto targets in 2012. At the same time, the country would enjoy the benefits of innovation, employment growth, widespread economic activity, less air pollution and smog, and improved health.
“The government’s first priority has to be to maximize reductions right here in Canada, rather than overseas such as buying ‘credits’ under the Kyoto Protocol,” said Gerry Scott, director of the David Suzuki Foundation’s climate change campaign. “This report shows that if we encourage and reward innovation at home, Canadians will enjoy cleaner air, energy cost savings for consumers and more jobs. With overseas ‘credits’, we will get none of the above.”
Read the report and a summary of its key recommendations.
For more information, call:
Sarah Marchildon
Communications Specialist
David Suzuki Foundation
604-732-4228
