
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
3,364,644
Metric tonnes of CO2e
avoided
0.39
tCO2e/GWH emissions
intensity

In Practice
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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

50
Water management related
inquiries

1
Incident of non-compliance associated with water quantity and/or quality permits, standards, and regulations

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

0
Fines and sanctions 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
