Air

Manitoba Hydro is committed to protecting the air environment by keeping our average annual emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — the principal greenhouse gases emitted by our activities — at least 6% below 1990 levels between 1990 and 2012.

We are also committed to displacing greenhouse gas emissions from other utilities in Canada and the U.S. by exporting power generated by our hydroelectric stations which emit miniscule quantities of greenhouse gases. Our Power Smart programs, which encourage Manitobans to use less electricity, and our efforts to improve the efficiency of our system, support this commitment by freeing up more power for export.

In other efforts, we fight global warming by:

• offering consulting services worldwide that encourage electrical efficiencies in developing countries;
• supporting research and development related to greenhouse gas and climate change issues;
• funding tree-planting through our Forest Enhancement Program. Trees not only absorb carbon dioxide but also shade and shelter buildings, reducing energy requirements for heating and cooling;
• fostering public awareness of greenhouse gas issues and how to reduce emissions levels by funding educational projects, such as the Climate Change Centre at Fort Whyte.