Fast facts about getting to net zero that may surprise you
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas
Energy powers our vehicles, warms our homes, and helps produce the goods we use every day. A diversified energy system is the most cost-effective and resilient way to achieve net zero. That’s why Enbridge Gas is partnering to advance innovative energy solutions that are critical to reaching our goals.
Test Your Knowledge about Ontario’s Clean Energy Future
Q: Which sector is the largest contributor to provincial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
- Industrial processes
- Transportation
- Building heating and cooling
A: Transportation is the largest contributor, followed by building heating and cooling, then industrial processes.
Q: All together, these three sectors make up what percentage of Ontario’s total emissions?
- 54 percent
- 68 percent
- 82 percent
A: Transportation, buildings, and industry make up 82 percent of total emissions in Ontario. Any emissions reduction plan must focus on these sectors to be successful.
Q: Natural gas accounts for what percentage of Ontario’s energy needs?
- 8 percent
- 18 percent
- 28 percent
A: Natural gas accounts for 28 percent of our energy usage – almost double the energy Ontarians get from electricity (16 percent). For peak winter heating needs, the natural gas system provides about three times the capacity of the electricity system. To reduce emissions affordably and reliably, both gas and electricity must work together.
The Right Mix to Get to Net Zero
Achieving climate goals in the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors will require a mix of solutions: energy conservation, renewable electricity and gases, clean heating and transportation technologies, and advances in innovations such as carbon capture. Enbridge Gas is collaborating to:
- advance innovative, integrated energy solutions;
- reliably meet our energy needs, even on the coldest days;
- meet the energy needs of industries (like concrete and steel production, and heavy transportation) that can’t be practically electrified;
- minimize costs for energy consumers; and
- help municipalities meet their climate goals.
There’s No Silver Bullet
“As Enbridge, we don’t believe that there’s going to be one single solution that gets us to net zero. There’s no silver bullet here. Rather, it’s going to require a suite of solutions that take us down a diversified pathway to net zero,” says Michele Harradence, President, Enbridge Gas.
Visit enbridgegas.com/sustainability to learn more. MW
✯ Municipal World Insider and Executive Members: You might also be interested in Sean Meyer’s article: Iron & Earth: Training the clean energy sector’s future.
Scott Dodd is Director, Business Development with Enbridge Gas
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