CCD-003: Electricity - Renewable Low-impact

The electricity sector is unique among industrial sectors in its very large contribution to air emissions and other environmental impacts. Electricity generation produces a large share of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide. These, in turn, contribute to smog and acid rain, and the formation of fine particulate matter. Fossil fuel-fired electric power plants also emit carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. In addition, the sector has significant impacts on water and habitat and species.

The EcoLogo^M Program addresses these challenges by establishing strict requirements for public consultation, aquatic and riparian habitat and species impacts, non-electricity values, and air emissions. The net environmental benefit will be reduced human health impacts, less potential for emissions of greenhouse gases and other air contaminants, and diminished impacts on local habitats.

To be authorized to carry the EcoLogo^M, electricity must:

• Be generated in such a manner that all steps of the generation process meet the requirements established by applicable laws and regulations;
• Be accompanied by evidence that appropriate consultation with communities and stakeholders has occurred, and when applicable reasonable mitigation of negative impacts has been addressed;
• Be accompanied by evidence that the project will not result in land conflict, biodiversity loss, or degradation of the heritage, cultural, recreational or touristic values; and
• Be generated in a manner that does not adversely impact species designated as endangered or threatened.

In addition, these products must comply with criteria related to each specific subcategory:

Biogas-fuelled electricity must:

• Comply with the total load point requisites for air emissions. Under this system, points are assigned for four different parameters on a normalized scale (kg/MWh), starting at 0 for best manufacturing practices and increasing proportionally according to the emissions generated A facility with one parameter that exceeds the threshold value would have to perform well in all other parameters to qualify for certification. These four parameters are:
  • carbon monoxide (CO),
  • particulate matter,
  • nitrous oxides (NO_X), and
  • sulfur oxides (SO_X).

Biomass-fuelled electricity must:

• Comply with the total load point requisites for air emissions. Under this system, points are assigned for four different parameters on a normalized scale (kg/MWh), starting at 0 for best manufacturing practices and increasing proportionally according to the emissions generated A facility with one parameter that exceeds the threshold value would have to perform well in all other parameters to qualify for certification. These four parameters are:
  • carbon monoxide (CO),
  • particulate matter,
  • nitrous oxides (NO_X), and
  • sulfur oxides (SO_X).
• If generated from wood or agricultural wastes, the generation process must:
  • use only wastes sourced from operations that have implemented sound environmental management practices, and
  • ensure the rate of harvest does not exceed sustainable levels, and
  • not use wastes from species listed in the CITES;
• If generated from fuel sources such as salt-laden wood, de-inking sludge or spent pulping liquor, the generation process must not emit more dioxins or furans exceeding levels of 100 pg I-TEQ/m³, or the limits specified in the Canada Wide Standards for Dioxins an d Furans (whichever is lower); and
• If generated from dedicated energy crops, the generation process must:
  • use only crops sourced from operations that have implemented sound environmental management practices, and
  • ensure the rate of harvest does not exceed sustainable levels.

Solar-powered electricity must:

• Be generated in such a manner that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure proper disposal or recycling of all solid waste, including final disposal of equipment and machinery used.

Water-powered electricity must:

• Not operate under authorization that allow the harmful alteration or disruption of fish habitat, unless the alteration does not affect the limiting factor controlling productive capacity, and loss of the affected habitat is compensated by the creation of similar habitat;
• Operations are coordinated with other water-control facilities to mitigate impacts;
• Operate such that:
  • Reduced water flows in the bypassed reaches are not detrimental to indigenous inhabiting species,
  • Instream flows downstream are adequate to support indigenous inhabiting species, and
  • Water quality is comparable to unaltered bodies within the local watershed, including ensuring water temperature changes are not detrimental to indigenous inhabiting species; and
• Provide measures to minimize fish mortality that would result from impingement and entrainment, and ensure fish passage exists where man-made structures are placed where no natural barriers exist.

Wind-powered electricity must:

• Not be detrimental do indigenous or migratory avian species;
• Not be located in an are that is protected for endangered or threatened avian species;
• Not cause excessive soil erosion; and
• Have replanted uprooted vegetation and replaced excavated soil after construction or demolition.