On August 26, 2022, the Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the launch of the Net-Zero Challenge, a new national voluntary initiative for businesses operating in Canada. Businesses that join the Challenge commit to implementing credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050. For companies to participate, they must commit to meet the minimum requirements.
What are the minimum requirements?
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements outlined above, companies must produce five-year updates of their net-zero plans. Companies that fail to meet the requirements will be removed from the program.
How to participate
There are three participation streams: Stream 1 is for large industrial emitters, Stream 2 is for financial institutions and Stream 3 is for all other companies. Each stream has different requirements for reporting Scope 3 emissions. The Net-Zero Challenge also includes various participation tiers to encourage ambition and track progress in net-zero planning.
What are the benefits of participating?
According to the government, companies will benefit from technical guidance, best practices, a community of peer businesses and the opportunity to highlight their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
Who is taking up the challenge?
To date, 12 organizations across Canada – including companies in the construction, energy, transportation and financial services sectors – have joined the challenge.
For more information access Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge website at:
Canadian Water and Wastewater Association