CIAC members reduced the global-warming potential of their operations by 68 per cent

January 26, 2017

Responsible Care^®, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada’s U.N.-recognized sustainability initiative, motivates its members to take actions that advances the sustainability of their operations and reduces harm throughout the entire life cycle of their products.

For more than 20 years, as part of the commitment to Responsible Care, CIAC members have been driven to improve and publicly report on key indicators including emissions data, workplace and transportation safety, community engagement, and waste reduction.  This year’s annual Responsible Care Sustainability Indicators Report is now available.

This report marks the eighteen-consecutive year that the association has transparently published its emissions. CIAC members report their emissions via the National Emissions Reduction Masterplan (NERM) and Environment Canada’s National Pollution Release Inventory (NPRI).

“CIAC members have made remarkable progress towards improving air and water quality, reducing greenhouse gases, and conserving resources,” said CIAC President and CEO Bob Masterson. “This report shows how our members are dedicated to the betterment of society, the environment and the economy.”

The Responsible Care Sustainability Indicators found that since 1992, CIAC members have:

• reduced discharges to water by 97 per cent;
• reduced emissions of toxins targeted by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act by 86 per cent;
• substantially reduced emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (by 63 per cent) and sulphur dioxide (by 90 per cent);
• reduced the global-warming potential of their operations by 68 per cent; and
• reduced the number of injuries and illnesses at their workplaces by 86 per cent.

The annual Responsible Care Sustainability Indicators Report is available here.