Climate Change
Position ourselves as a clean energy leader by investing in and operating a renewable energy portfolio that offers innovative energy solutions and contributes to Canada’s clean energy transition.
- Climate Change Vulnerability & Resiliency
- GHG Emissions
Photo by Jonathan Fournier, Evolugen Employee
Addressing the Importance of Climate Change
Recognizing the importance of climate change, Evolugen has conducted greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories annually since 2017, expanding the scope of the emissions considered and improving processes. Our expanded GHG emissions inventory now includes scope 1, 2 and 3 (air travel) emissions. The results from our most recent inventory have again confirmed that Evolugen is amongst the lowest GHG emitters in the Canadian energy industry.
While pleased to be amongst the lowest GHG emitters, and able to provide renewable energy solutions that enable other companies to reduce their GHG emissions, we recognize that we must do more.
INDICATORS
6,872
GWH in power
generation
731,742
Vehicles in avoided
emissions
Our renewable energy produced is the equivalent of taking 100’s of thousands of passenger cars powered by combustion engines off the road each year. Source: US Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas-Equivalency Calculator
3,364,644
Metric tonnes of CO2e
avoided
0.39
tCO2e/GWH emissions
intensity
The average emissions intensity reported by members from the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) was 226.9 tCO2e/GWh. Source: 2018 Sustainable Electricity Annual Report, CEA
In Practice
Highlight
Photo by Gordon MacPherson, Darkwoods - NCC
Carbon Neutral
Climate change is a once in a generation global challenge. While others continue to debate, Evolugen recognized it had to act and in 2020 we neutralized our carbon emissions. To attain carbon neutrality, Evolugen used a science-based approach to calculate our GHG emissions, consistent with the GHG Protocol, and retired Renewable Energy Certificates to neutralize our emissions from our grid electricity consumption. Evolugen purchased voluntary, forestry and land use verified carbon offsets that sequester the remaining carbon that we produced.
Water Management
Manage water to maximize its positive impacts while limiting any negative impact on communities and the environment.
- Water Levels & Flows
Photo by Ann-Marie Reid, Evolugen Employee
Valuing Water Resources
Water is an essential resource for all life on the planet. It provides us with the opportunity to generate renewable energy at our hydropower facilities, but it can also provide drinking water, support healthy ecosystems and provide for a myriad of leisure activities we all enjoy.
We understand that too much or too little water can be impactful. Recent flood events in eastern Canada and drought events in western Canada have impacted our operations and the communities in which we operate. These events have highlighted the proficiency with which we have been able to manage our assets and communicate effectively with government regulators and stakeholders to ensure public safety and minimize property damage.
INDICATORS
46
Water management plans
33 hydropower facilities operate in accordance with water management plans, permits, licenses and/or authorizations (referred to as water management plans) that regulate our actions on the rivers and tributaries in proximity to our assets.
50
Water management related
inquiries
All inquiries were responded to by providing water conditions and conveying the constraints within which we must manage our operations.
1
Incident of non-compliance associated with water quantity and/or quality permits, standards, and regulations
We had an instrument failure at our Red Rock facility resulting in an insignificant release of water beyond what was defined within the water management plan. There were no impacts. After a detailed investigation of the event, appropriate measures were implemented to prevent its reoccurrence
In Practice
Highlight
Photo by Nancy Paquet, Evolugen Employee
Flood Management
In anticipation of a severe freshet, Evolugen staff with the approval of government officials, lowered the level of its upstream reservoir to accommodate freshet waters. We began using the flood emergency communication processes developed that linked dam owners throughout the Lièvre system, first responders of the municipalities and the Province’s Civil Defense organization. The cooperative communication enabled the dam managers to gather real time information to adjust water levels to reduce the risk of inundating properties.
Ecosystems & Biodiversity
Strive to be a leader in the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Aquatic Ecosystems
- Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Invasive Species
Photo by Julie Chagnon, Evolugen Employee
Protecting our Natural Environment and its Habitats
We are committed to being good stewards of the environment, managing biodiversity impacts and enhancing biodiversity through ecosystem understanding and the implementation of best management practices. In advance of project development, we conduct wildlife studies to understand baseline information and ensure we can mitigate potential impacts.
During the operating phase of our projects, these studies often continue. We undertake a variety of actions to mitigate the impact of our facilities on ecosystems, including conducting wildlife studies and making operational adjustments during species migration or other key life stages. Our partnerships with communities, Indigenous peoples, local agencies and environment non-governmental organizations enhance our understanding of species and the ecosystems around our facilities.
INDICATORS
21
Operational sites owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to protected areas and areas of high biodiversity
Evolugen has 21 operations sites that are either on or adjacent to protected areas such as provincial parks, conservation reserves managed by non-profit organizations, enhanced management areas and other areas of high biodiversity value, including First Nations reserves and traditional territories.
0
Fines and sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations
This year our business received no fines for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
24
IUCN Red List and National Conservation List species with habitats in areas potentially affected by operations
We identified a total of 24 species at risk, with different conservation statuses at the international or national level, with habitat in areas that might be affected by Evolugen's operations. The identified species are fauna and flora species and include mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, mollusks and plants.
In Practice
Highlights
Environment and Fight Against Climate Change
Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species
Joined forces with the Municipality of Val-des-Bois and the Lièvre River Watershed Committee to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species by improving boater awareness. A new kiosk informing how to fight invasive alien species as well as promoting good practices to protect water quality and encourage safe navigation was installed near the community boat cleaning station.
Photo by Kurt Chavarria, Unsplash
Understanding our Ecosystems
In an effort to augment our knowledge of the ecosystems encompassed by the Ottawa River Watershed, we sponsored the Ottawa River Watershed Health Assessment and Monitoring project. Our multi-year commitment to the Ottawa Riverkeeper, the non-profit organization leading the project started in 2020. Our donation will enable Ottawa Riverkeeper to purchase monitoring equipment and retain a Carleton University student to work on the study.