Enbridge gaining traction from ESG commitments

North American energy infrastructure company Enbridge said January 4 it was making progress on its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 and towards its interim target of reducing emissions intensity by 35% by 2030.

Equipment modernisation, greening of regional power grids and solar self-power have already brought “significant” emissions reductions, it says, and global sustainability ratings agencies are starting to notice its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.

Enbridge is included in the North American index of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and earned a favourable A- rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project for its 2021 climate change efforts, matching its 2020 score.

“We’re committed to building a bridge to a cleaner energy future, and one of the pillars is strong ESG leadership,” said Pete Sheffield, Enbridge’s chief sustainability officer and vice president of US external affairs. “The efforts of Enbridge employees across the company directly shape how we’re positioned on ESG, so it’s great to see continued external recognition.”

Enbridge is modernising its gas transmission business by replacing existing gas compressors across its US pipeline network with newer, lower-emission units. Venting reduction efforts are underway, and methane abatement activity is ramping up, Sheffield said.

“We’re also advancing our solar self-power program, generating low-emissions electricity to support our liquids pipelines and gas transmission pipeline operations,” Enbridge said. “To date, we’ve announced 13 solar projects that will collectively generate more than 110 MW of clean energy, from Wisconsin to Alberta, Kentucky to Minnesota. Three of these projects are already operational.”