7.6 Provincial Summary: New Brunswick
Reality Check: The State of Climate Progress in Canada
Emissions profile
New Brunswick emitted 18.4 Mt CO2e in 2009, a 15% increase since 1990. A breakdown of 2009 emission by source is provided in Figure 33.
Emissions reductions measures by source
Electricity generation is the largest emissions source, but lower energy demand, growth in wind energy, and electricity purchases from neighbouring utilities are all helping to reduce this emissions source.166 The government created a renewable portfolio regulation in 2006 that identified a target of an additional 10% of electricity sold in the province by 2016 be generated from renewable sources.jj In 2009-2010 renewable sources contributed 20% of the total production in the province.167 The province plans to support development of wood-based biomass resources (primarily pellets) through standards development, expanded use of biomass to heat government buildings, financial incentives and other measures.168
Energy efficiency and renewable energy measures implemented in its 2007–2012 climate plan have contributed to emission reductions from residential, and commercial and industrial activities.169
New Brunswick’s transportation emissions represented a quarter of the province’s total emissions in 2009. Speed limits for the trucking industry, incentives for fuel efficient vehicles, minimum emissions standards for vehicle registration, and anti-idling policies are all part of the government’s transportation emissions reduction strategy.
Waste disposal, at 3% of total emissions, is the third largest emitting activity in the province. Emissions from waste disposal have decreased 10% since 1990. In 2006, Fredericton began collecting and flaring landfill gas. The province aims to support further landfill gas capture where feasible.
Agricultural emissions accounted for 0.4 Mt CO2e in New Brunswick in 2009. A farm energy efficiency program was put in place that supported several on-farm energy audits and funded a number of energy efficiency upgrades.170 The New Brunswick government is aiming to reduce emissions from public operations are targeted to 25% below 2001 levels by 2012. Specified procurement, low-emitting fleet, idling restrictions, sustainable building practices, and energy management and reporting all are intended to aid in reaching this target.
The New Brunswick climate plan addressed initiatives for 2007 to the current year. A new plan has not yet been put in place; however the province has stated that it will span to 2020 and that it will expand upon existing initiatives with new actions.171 Similar to the 2007-2012 climate plan, the 2013-2020 climate plan is expected to address renewable energy and energy efficiency, transportation, waste reduction and diversion, industrial sources, government leading by example, adaptation, and partnerships and communication.172
Provincial evaluation of emissions reduction measures
New Brunswick has released a Progress Report annually since 2007 detailing the progress of its climate plan each year. Initially, the province’s focus was on the foundations laid for meeting the goals of the climate plan and has developed in nature to state the progress and results realized by the plan. The Department of Energy also has annual reports that include progress related to climate change concerns, energy efficiency, and renewables.173
The Department of Environment has monitored and measured various New Brunswick Climate Change Action Fundkk projects in support of public-sector, private-sector and not-for-profit initiatives which are expected to result in GHG reductions.174
Additionally, in order to track and report energy consumption and corresponding emissions the Department of Environment developed a model which will allow key departments to better manage their energy consumption, and will provide a baseline estimate of the province’s emissions for future mitigation policies.
Inter-jurisdictional measures
As a member of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP), New Brunswick adopted the shared goal of stabilization of GHGs at 1990 levels by 2010 with additional reductions of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020.
Targeting electricity generated emissions is a key component of New Brunswick’s climate plan. As a result, the interconnectivity of electricity transmission is also an important focus. The Atlantic Energy Gateway Initiative is one partnership that fosters this effort.
[jj] Information included in this appendix is sourced from Government of New Brunswick 2007 unless otherwise indicated.
[kk] This fund was announced in 2007 and provided $34 million in funding over three years to support emission reduction projects.
[165] Environment Canada 2011b
[166] New Brunswick Department of Energy 2011
[167] New Brunswick Energy Commission 2011
[168] New Brunswick Department of Energy 2011
[169] Government of New Brunswick 2011
[170] Government of New Brunswick 2011
[171] Government of New Brunswick 2011
[172] New Brunswick Department of Energy 2011
[173] Government of New Brunswick 2011
[174] Government of New Brunswick 2011
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