Pacific Carbon Trust 2009 Carbon Neutral Action Plan (2009 2012) December 2009
Table of Contents Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Corporate Planning 5 Corporate Level Goals and Strategic Planning 5 Current GHG Emissions Profile 6 Background 6 Current Profile 7 Future GHG Emissions Profile Analysis 9 2010 Baseline Case: Business as Usual 9 GHG Reduction Opportunities (2010) 10 Scenario 1 Five less Trips per Month Overall 10 Scenario 2 50% Reduction in Trips to Vancouver 11 Scenario 3 New Office with Lower GHG Emissions 12 Summary of Future Scenario Analysis 13 Strategies 14 Action Plan 15 Changing the office footprint 15 Aggressively targeting travel patterns 16 Engaging all employees in sustaining the change 17 Next Steps/Conclusion 19 Appendices 20 Appendix A Past Actions 20-2-
Executive Summary Executive Summary Pacific Carbon Trust has a strong interest in advancing environmental sustainability in BC given its role in helping the public sector become carbon neutral and reducing emissions provincewide. This interest permeates the corporation starting with a corporate goal in its service plan to become an environmentally responsible organization and the following corporate value: Sustainable: PCT is a champion for sustainable business practices and role model for low-carbon operations. In tandem with this, PCT has also established a performance measure in its service plan to reach a lower level of greenhouse gas emissions per full-time equivalent than the BC government average. It has also committed to become carbon neutral one year earlier than required by regulation. This Carbon Neutral Action Plan outlines specific activities PCT can implement over 2009-2012 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin leading by example. The plan will be updated on an ongoing basis to address opportunities and challenges in reducing emissions over time. Pacific Carbon Trust emitted 16.6 tonnes of CO 2 e in 2009, including 8.0 tonnes related to building emissions, 8.0 tonnes related to travel emissions, and 0.6 tonnes related to supplies. This results in a carbon footprint of 1.8 tonnes of CO2e per full-time equivalent at PCT. The corporation measures its greenhouse gas emissions using the framework as outlined in BC s Carbon Neutral Government Regulation. It plans to establish its GHG emissions baseline in 2010, when it expects to have full year data based on more stable patterns (particularly for travel). PCT s projections indicate that if current trends continue, the corporate emissions profile will increase to 31.4 tonnes of CO 2 e in 2010, including: building emissions (8.0 tonnes CO 2 e); travel emissions (22.9 tonnes of CO 2 e), and supplies emissions (0.5 tonnes CO 2 e) or a carbon footprint of 1.6 tonnes of CO 2 e per FTE. This increase is due largely to increased travel as 2010 will represent a full year of normal travel patterns with a full staff complement. This profile shows that building energy consumption and travel are the biggest opportunities to reduce emissions. GHG Reduction Strategies: Based on analysis of PCT s current and future GHG emissions profile, it has indentified three opportunities to reduce emissions: Changing the office footprint To select a low-carbon building for a new lease in August 2010 and utilize opportunities for emissions reductions associated with office operations. Aggressively targeting travel patterns To frequently report business travel emissions, implement travel alternatives such as technology/training to support online meetings, and stack meetings to improve efficiency of travel. Engaging all employees in sustaining the change To engage all employees in low carbon business practices, such as reducing use of paper by using tablets or collaborative software, monitoring travel usage, encouraging alternative travel for commuting and introducing a Green Savings Account. -3-
Executive Summary As outlined in the report s action plan, the corporation is taking significant action to begin reducing emissions particularly in building energy consumption and travel as well as to motivate behavioural changes across the corporation. While the Green Team will lead many of these actions, the responsibility of implementing other actions will be shared among PCT employees. -4-
Corporate Planning Corporate Planning In 2007, the Government of British Columbia outlined an aggressive response to climate change in its Climate Action Plan, which mandates the province to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below 2007 levels by 2020, and by 80 per cent by 2050. The province also commits provincial Public Sector Organizations (PSO) including the Pacific Carbon Trust to be carbon neutral beginning in the 2010 calendar year. Corporate Level Goals and Strategic Planning Pacific Carbon Trust has a strong interest in advancing environmental sustainability in the province. It was established as part of the provincial commitment to make the public sector carbon neutral and reduce emissions province-wide. Its mandate is: to deliver quality BC-based greenhouse gas offsets to help clients meet their carbon reduction goals and to support growth of this industry in B.C. As a result, PCT places environmentally responsible behaviour as a highly-ranked corporate objective. This resulted in a key PCT corporate goal focused in part on environmentally responsible behaviour in its first Service Plan. The goal is for PCT to be "an effective, environmentally responsible organization known for its industry expertise." This goal is designed to motivate employees in developing an organization built on sound business practices that incorporates fiscally as well as environmentally responsible behaviour and builds a wide breadth of knowledge capable of supporting industry innovation and growth. The company has also developed the following as one of its three core values: Sustainable: PCT is a champion for sustainable business practices and role model for low-carbon operations. As a new organization in the low-carbon economy, PCT has additional opportunities: to develop business processes from the start that have a green lens to ensure environmental sustainability is factored into decisions, and to help promote sustainable practices and technologies, and influence change within its sphere of suppliers, clients, partners and business community. In tandem with these corporate goals and values, PCT has a corporate strategy to Continue working towards becoming a leader in low-carbon business practices, supported by the corporate Carbon Neutral Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The service plan also includes a performance measure to help honour these commitments. The measure is to reach a level of emissions per FTE that is lower than the average organizational carbon footprint in the BC government. The following Carbon Neutral Action Plan focuses on key activities to help PCT work toward its carbon neutral commitments. In particular, this plan sets out strategies, actions, targets and accountability measures to reduce emissions under the four categories required to be measured by the BC Government: fleet emissions, building emissions, travel emissions and supplies emissions. The plan will be updated on an on-going basis to ensure a dynamic document that captures corporate learning on carbon neutrality and PCT s fast-changing business environment. -5-
GHG Emissions Profile Current GHG Emissions Profile Background As mentioned above, for the 2010 calendar year, Public Sector Organizations (PSO s) are required to monitor and report emissions under four areas: (1) Building emissions (2) Fleet emissions (3) Supplies emissions (4) Fugitive emission This framework is based on reporting principals consistent with international standards. PSO s are using SMART Tool, which provides standardized measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions within the provincial public sector. In 2008, PCT established a no fleet policy and therefore has no fleet. As a result, only three of the four measurements apply to PCT s corporate structure: emissions from energy consumption in its office location (building and fugitive emissions) and from the purchase of paper (supplies emissions). Given PCT s interest in environment sustainability, it has taken on significant voluntary commitments in addition to those mandated by government. Beginning one year ahead of government requirements in 2009, Pacific Carbon Trust will be carbon neutral by: (1) Voluntarily offsetting the organization s greenhouse gas emissions for its building, fleet and supplies (one year prior to BC legislation) (2) Voluntarily offsetting the organization s business travel emissions (currently not required by PSO s). This plan also tracks other activities and results related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable practices to help learn behavioural impacts and identify best opportunities for continuous improvement. For example, PCT has implemented a modest Green Savings Account to recognize and incent employees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions outside of the workplace. The Green Savings Account supports employees in their own initiatives to affect climate change and works to bring about a synergy between corporate and personal achievements. For example, if employees opt to take public transit to work, they can access the Green Savings Account for this cost up to a set amount per employee per year (e.g. $250). -6-
tonnes CO2e PCT 2009 Carbon GHG Emissions Profile Current Profile Pacific Carbon Trust emitted 16.6 tonnes of CO 2 e in 2009. This total includes (See Figure 1): 8.0 tonnes of CO 2 e building emissions; 8.0 tonnes of CO 2 e from travel emissions; and 0.6 tonnes of CO 2 e from supplies emissions. Figure 1 PCT GHG Emissions Profile (2009) Total Emissions = 16.6 t CO2e Carbon Footprint = 1.8 t CO2e/FTE Based on an average of 9.2 full-time equivalents over the year, the average PCT employee was emitting 1.8 tonnes of CO 2 e. This is below the 2008 calendar year BC government average of 2.8 tonnes of CO 2 e per FTE 1 (See Figure 2). This number was a result of two factors: (1) PCT has no fleet vehicles which reduces their tonnes of CO 2 e per FTE significantly. (2) Most business travel did not occur until the fall with increased business and employees. Figure 2: Tonnes of CO2e/FTE (PCT and BC Government) Tonnes CO2e/FTE 4.5 3.0 1.5 1.8 2.8 Carbon Footprint 0.0 Pacific Carbon Trust Organization BC Government 1 Based on the BC government emissions for 2008 calendar year, and FTE count for 2008/09. -7-
GHG Emissions Profile PCT Employee Commute The emissions from employee commutes are not required to be reported by BC public sector for emissions profiling. However, PCT employees are making efforts to reduce emissions from commuting, which is currently preventing about 740 kg CO2e per month, or 8.1 tonnes of CO2e for the year, compared to emissions generated from using gasoline vehicles. -8-
GHG Emissions Profile Future GHG Emissions Profile Analysis PCT continued to build its business operational structure in 2009, growing from four to twenty employees. Therefore, 2009 represents a year in transition and is not an accurate baseline for corporate emissions profiling. To establish a more meaningful baseline from which to measure our performance, and to better understand the GHG implications of our business choices and opportunities for improvement, we have modeled a number of potential future scenarios, starting with our 2010 Business as Usual case below. The other three scenarios outline different opportunities to reduce emissions for 2010. In measuring our performance, we expect to monitor not only absolute emissions for PCT, but also GHG intensity per employee as we strive to be a top performer across our public and private sector peers. 2010 Baseline Case: Business as Usual PCT s total GHG emissions are estimated to almost double in 2010 if we continue our current patterns - from 16.6 tonnes of CO 2 e in 2009 to an estimated 31.4 tonnes of CO 2 e in 2010. (see Figure 3) Travel emissions are estimated to increase significantly as 2009 was a year of transition and did not represent a full staff Figure 3 2010 Base Case Business as Usual complement or year of travel. Taking these into consideration, our overall intensity will actually drop slightly from 1.8 tonnes to 1.6 tonnes CO 2 e/fte as we will have a higher staff complement for the full year. These estimates have been made based on three fundamental assumptions: Staffing levels for 2010 are based on 19.5 FTEs; Under our baseline forecast, we expect staff travel patterns from the latter part of 2009 calendar year (five month period) to continue in 2010; We assume no change in our physical location or office GHG intensity. -9-
GHG Reduction Opportunities GHG Reduction Opportunities (2010) PCT s profile shows that building energy consumption and travel are the largest areas of greenhouse gas emissions for PCT and represent key opportunities for emission reductions. To reduce emissions in these areas, a list of planned actions has been created (Section 6) for three different areas: changing the building footprint; aggressively targeting travel patterns; and engaging all employees to sustain the change. It is hoped that this document will be shared with partners, clients, and the community and serve as a guide where applicable. To help identify opportunities to reduce emissions from our base case, we have developed the following three scenarios: Scenario 1: Five less trips per month overall Scenario 2: 50% reduction in trips to Vancouver Scenario 3: New building with reduced emissions Scenario 1 Five less Trips per Month Overall Scenario 1 shows that PCT can reduce its travel emissions from 22.9 tonnes of CO 2 e to 17.2 tonnes of CO 2 e if there were a total of five less trips overall per month. This scenario results in total emissions of 25.7 tonnes of CO2e, compared to 31.4 tonnes in the BAU case. The assumptions are: Staffing levels remain constant at 19.5 FTEs; Under our baseline forecast, 2009 staff travel patterns continue in 2010; No change in our physical location or office GHG intensity. The distribution of flights across locations (e.g. short haul and long haul) remains the same. Scenario 1 Five Less Trips per Month Overall -10-
GHG Reduction Opportunities Scenario 2 50% Reduction in Trips to Vancouver Scenario 2 shows that PCT can reduce its travel emissions from 22.9 tonnes of CO 2 e to 19.5 tonnes of CO 2 e if it reduces its trips to Vancouver by 50%, and uses remote connection technology such as video-conferencing and webinars for meetings. This scenario results in total emissions of 28.0 tonnes of CO2e, compared to 31.4 tonnes in the BAU case. The assumptions are: Staffing levels remain constant at 19.5 FTE; Under our baseline forecast, 2009 staff travel patterns continue in 2010; No change in our physical location or office GHG intensity. 50% less Vancouver trips means that there will be a higher distribution of long-haul trips compared to Scenario 1. That is why although the number of trips is reduced compared to Scenario 1, the emissions are still higher. Scenario 2-50% Reduction in Trips to Vancouver -11-
GHG Reduction Opportunities Scenario 3 New Office with Lower GHG Emissions Scenario 3 shows that building GHG emissions can be reduced from 8.0 tonnes of CO 2 e to 3.0 tonnes of CO 2 e or lower if a new office space uses alternative energy solutions (e.g. geoexchange technology or biomass as a heat source). This scenario results in total emissions of 26.4 tonnes of CO2e, compared to 31.4 tonnes in the BAU case. This is a conservative estimate of the scenario, and may result in less emissions, depending on the building and its energy source and use. The assumptions are: Staffing levels remain constant at 19.5 FTE; Under our baseline forecast, 2009 staff travel patterns continue in 2010; The new office space does not generate any greenhouse gas emissions associated with natural gas (geo-exchange or biomass systems used for heating significantly reduce emissions to near zero or zero). Scenario 3 New Low-carbon Office -12-
GHG Reduction Opportunities Summary of Future Scenario Analysis Based on this analysis, PCT has identified three significant opportunities for reducing PCT s organizational greenhouse gas profile: (1) Changing the office footprint Building emissions will be reduced if PCT finds new office space in a building that generates less greenhouse gas emissions. Building emissions are comprised of refridgerants (used for air conditioning), natural gas (used to produce heat) and electricity (used for lights and potentially heat). Because most electricity generated in British Columbia is hydroelectricity, created through water powered turbines, electricity is considered to produce near zero greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions associated with office space and presents the largest opportunity for emissions reductions. Using biomass as a fuel source or geoexchange technology are two alternatives to burning natural gas and could vastly reduce building emissions. (2) Aggressively targeting travel patterns Travel emissions will be reduced through investing in technology that allows for business meetings to take place from remote locations and training to support PCT employees to utilize this technology. Staff training in video-conferencing, webinars, live meeting and online shared work spaces will reduce the need to travel and the emissions associated with those trips. Scenario 2 represents an estimated reduction in 2010 travel emissions that could potentially occur through greater use of video-conferencing and similar technologies. (3) Engaging all employees in sustaining the change Other emissions can only be reduced through the behaviour of PCT employees. This includes the people that are in charge of purchasing supplies, travelling for business meetings, and using equipment in the workplace. Actions can be taken to give the knowledge to employees and find ways to motivate them to make choices that support low carbon business such as ordering 100% recycled paper products or taking the lowest emission option if travel is necessary. -13-
GHG Reduction Opportunities Strategies Based on the above opportunities, PCT has identified the following three strategies to help achieve carbon neutrality and meets its performance measure in the Service Plan: Changing the office footprint To select a low-carbon building for a new lease in August 2010 and use opportunities for emissions reductions associated with office operations. Aggressively targeting travel patterns To frequently report business travel emissions, implement travel alternatives such as technology/training to support online meetings, and stacking meetings to improve efficiency of travel. Engaging all employees in sustaining the change To engage all employees in low carbon business practices. The strategies will be implemented through activities as outlined in the following three-year action plan. To optimize results, the actions with the most potential will be tracked through a relevant performance measure and target. -14-
Action Plan Action Plan Changing the office footprint Action Responsibility Task and Timeframe Objective Performance Measure Pursue office space in a building that generates minimum greenhouse gas emissions Finance and Operations, Executive Operations 2010: Continue to look for low GHG office space within budget (Current lease expires August 2010) Identify opportunities in new building to: reduce emissions and promote enhanced waste management and recycling Reduction in building GHG emissions. Building has capability for enhanced waste management and recycling. The number of emissions that are reduced associated with building energy consumption. Promote awareness and participation in work station energy conservation 2010: Supply power bars to each work station; Supply energy audit to each work station 2010: Organize workstation tuneup/training workshop All employees given the tools and the training to reduce workstation energy consumption Create and continue implementing purchasing policy for electronics and appliances to ensure energy efficiency Develop signage and educational page for benefits of energy conservation Ensure GHG emissions reductions are criterion during PCT Technology Infrastructure Review Executive Operations, Marketing and Communications 2011: Create Purchasing Policy for electronics, appliances, and printers (including multifunctional devices, Energy Star ratings) 2010: Develop signage for dishwasher Develop signage for lights Develop page on SharePoint 2010: Energy efficient technology supporting PCT Energy consumption is reduced through the use of energy star equipment Signage up and resources posted online to provide knowledge to employees Energy use reflects needs of employees, reduction in energy consumption The number of computers and appliances are energy star rated Target: 100% Investigate and initiate an improved recycling program to optimize the recycling program; divert as much waste from the Hartland Landfill as possible 2010: Contact ARES to determine optimal recycling system (E.g. enhanced recycling program ) 2011: Initiate optimal recycling program including composting Reduce emissions associated with waste management -15-
Action Plan Aggressively targeting travel patterns Action Responsibility Proposed Timeframe Target Performance Measure Track monthly business travel totals (over 32km in distance) for greenhouse gas emissions through SMARTTEC Administrative Assistant Staff are aware of the impact of their business travel, base business travel on this data Level of emissions from business travel Provide information on Green Key Hotels Ensure new PCT location has technology and space requirements to host meetings to prevent business travel (e.g. video conferencing for groups, webinars, etc.) Ensure out-of-town meetings hosted by PCT have technology and space requirements to prevent business travel (e.g. video conferencing for groups, webinars, etc.) Executive Operations, and Finance and Operations Green Team 2009: Ensure all business travel is being tracked monthly 2010: Develop user-friendly tracking system to determine monthly/yearly business travel totals 2011: Set reduction targets (based on travel emissions baseline) 2009: Embed link to Green Key Hotels within PCT SharePoint site 2010: Continue to look for available LEED or better office space within budget (Current lease expires Aug 2010) Identify opportunities in new building to reduce emissions related to travel 2010: Develop checklist of requirements to facilitate web/video conferencing A policy to have no fleet vehicles 2009 Met Encourage the use of alternative transportation for business meetings Begin a program to offset key PCT events, including board meetings Encourage the use of alternative transportation for commuting to/from work Finance 2010: Develop/implement policy for alternative transportation (i.e., bike, bus, hybrid taxis);buy office bike and bus tickets; Implement a tracking system. Budget: $1000.00 2010: Introduce alternative transportation incentive 2009: Develop and implement program to offset key PCT events, including board meetings 2009: Participate in Green Streets Program 2010: Participate in Bike To Work Week -16- Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with business travel accommodation New office location has space available to host meetings with clients, partners, etc. that will encourage remote communication Whenever possible, meetings hosted by PCT will have remote communication potential to reduce travel by clients, partners, etc. Employees increasingly use bicycle, bus or hybrid taxi to attend business meetings To help minimize impact of travel emissions Employees are given a tool to track their commute and set goals for improvement Target: Baseline established; reduction targets created Percentage of meetings hosted by PCT that give access to remote communications Target: At least 50%
Action Plan Engaging all employees in sustaining the change Action Responsibility Proposed Timeframe Target Performance Measure Continue to include green work goal Lower than BC Government in performance management average Ensure that all employees are trained in the use of Live Meeting, Video-conferencing and other tools if required (ex. Webinars) Develop green employee initiation training orientation to create awareness of connection between business processes, technology and mandate to be environmentally responsible Deliver climate change presentation based on science from the IPCC 4 th assessment report to provide awareness of science behind climate change Create / manage Green Savings Account Create and use a purchasing checklist of the greenest supplies using available green resources (e.g. Govt s Distribution Centre Green list) Business Development Managing Director, Market, Strategy and Operations Executive Operations, PCT Green Team, Marketing & Communications 2010: Determine actual baseline of GHG s. Take appropriate measures to reduce carbon footprint below BC Government employee average 2011: Continue to have lower carbon footprint per FTE than average BC Government employee 2010: Develop/Inquire about workshops for remote meeting software training 2010: Deliver workshop for Live Meeting training and Video-conferencing 2010: Develop employee orientation focused on technology infrastructure and business practices to reduce emissions Reduction in business travel through software and training in remote connection technology Training document provides overarching information on low carbon business practices to new employees 2009: Deliver the presentation to staff General level of understanding of climate change for all employees, knowledge drives behaviour 2009: Provide employees with Green Savings Account 2010: Develop a list of lowest GHG emission office supplies; make available to staff responsible for purchasing supplies. Develop a purchasing policy that considers total cost as well as GHG emission reductions Employees are rewarded for behaviour that reduces greenhouse gas emissions; regardless of its connection to the workplace Reduce emissions associated with office supplies Average organizational carbon footprint per FTE (tonnes of CO2e/FTE) -17-
Action Plan Initiate practices and challenges to progress toward paperless office (E.g. bi-weekly paperless staff meetings. Increase use of technology to reduce paper 2009: Begin paperless staff meetings 2010: Design monthly program where no paper is used for one work day 2010: Training on tablets 2010: Training on collaborative or other related software Reduce paper use; empower employees to use new paperless technology Employees have ability to run paperless meeting, reducing the amount of paper purchased Provide a list of resources for climate change education and information Develop and have a carbon neutral slot at staff meetings 2009: Create a folder on the SharePoint site with climate change education and information for employees 2009: Develop team, meeting schedule, and prioritize tasks Provide employees knowledge on the science of climate change in relation to business operations Create awareness of best practices and empower employees Continue to provide green tips through various sources Develop a Green Meeting guide to help plan future events and Marketing & Communications Administrative Assistant, Executive Operations and 2009-2011: Articles, tips and news shared between staff. BC Government website with green tips made available to staff 2010: Develop a meeting guide that will guide employees in holding a meeting with food, transportation, equipment and travel options that are associated with lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions possible Low carbon office/home tips help employees make decisions to reduce emissions Green meeting guide helps to promote low-carbon meetings -18-
Next Steps Next Steps/Conclusion Planned actions that have been identified as contributing to the most significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will be prioritized. This will give direction to PCT employees and the green team, who will focus on implementing these actions. An update of the plan will be reported to the Executive Team quarterly and will provide an opportunity to update the plan or to make any necessary changes. The planned actions in this report are directed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with PCT s emissions profile. Because travel emissions and building emissions were identified as the largest contributions to the organization s greenhouse gas profile, the actions found within these two areas will be given highest priority. -19-
Appendices Appendices Appendix A Past Actions 2008-2009 Building Stewardship Action Sought LEED office space for setup in 2008; however NA at that time. All appliances and equipment purchased are energy star rated Multi-function device installed 2008-2009 Supplies Stewardship Action Committed to at least 30% post consumer paper; 100% in most cases All printing done double-sided Limited printer availability Used laptops/tablets 2008-2009 Travel Stewardship Action Trained in Live Meeting Initiated travel policy stacked business meetings, participated in teleconferencing Supported alternative travel for meetings used hybrid taxis and encouraged biking, walking, bussing, ride-sharing 2008-2009 Employee Engagement Action Supported Green teams through participation in green team programs Added a green goal to performance management Supported professional development by participating in seminars 2008-2009 Sustainability Actions Action Ran dishwasher only when full Improved recycling measures (including paper, cans, recycled beverages, plastics and glass) Used re-usable dishes Participated in an office compost program Status Status In Progress Status d for some staff; Planned for others In Progress In Progress Status In progress Status In Progress -20-