Alberta chemistry industry key to meeting the province's Climate Leadership Plan objectives

OTTAWA, June 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Alberta Legislature's passage this week of the Climate Leadership Implementation Act, clearly signals that the climate challenge cannot be addressed solely through the current regulatory program that targets Alberta's manufacturing sector; a sector which accounts for less than 9 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the province.

This new plan clearly states that success will depend on achieving emissions reductions in all sectors of Alberta's economy, including the buildings, transportation and electricity sectors. Together, these sectors account for nearly 40 per cent of the province's emissions.

"Alberta's chemistry sector is critical to achieving provincial climate change objectives," says CIAC President and CEO Bob Masterson. "As Responsible Care® companies, CIAC members have already reduced GHG emissions by 69 per cent since 1992 through significant investments in process and product re-engineering, energy efficiency and low carbon feedstock substitution. Realizing further improvements from manufacturing operations, however, will require Alberta to maintain and enhance the investment climate in the province during the roll out of the Climate Leadership Plan."

Today, more than 95 per cent of all manufactured products rely on chemistry. Chemistry solutions are, for example, essential to improving building insulation, lightweighting vehicles, and in the production of solar and wind energy equipment, all of which contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

"Our industry shares the province's objective of addressing climate change while diversifying the economy through value-added manufacturing.  We look forward to being a valuable contributor in implementing  Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan and  engaging with all stakeholders as the province transitions from the current regulatory approach for industry to product and sector-based performance standards which are set to begin in 2018."

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the voice of Canada's $53 billion chemistry industry and represents more than 50 members and partners across the country. The industry employs 85,000 Canadians and supports another 425,000 jobs in Canada. Members of CIAC are signatories to Responsible Care® – the association's U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative.

SOURCE Chemistry Industry Association of Canada

Erika Adams, Director, Communications, 613-237-6215 Ext. 241