Information about CleanAir Canada

 
For information regarding emissions and keeping our air clean, visit:
Clean Air Trust

For information on alternative energy and fossil fuels, visit:
 
History

CleanAir Canada has evolved out of the PERT (Pilot Emission Reduction Trading) Project, considered by many to be the leading body for emission reduction analysis and application in Canada. Formed in 1996, this industry-led, multi-stakeholder group set the standard for the development and implementation of a robust emission reduction trading system. Their analysis and recommendation on system design, trading rules, and review methods has helped lay a solid foundation for sound government policy.

PERT originated as a experimental program designed to reduce smog and acid rain emissions of NOx and SO2 more quickly and cost-effectively than would otherwise occur under traditional "command and control" environmental regulation. As climate change grew as an issue of international importance, PERT adopted a multi-pollutant approach which included reductions of carbon dioxide. PERT started to review and register CO2 emission reductions in 1998, shortly after the Third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Kyoto, Japan.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment has been an active partner in the work of the PERT project. A negotiated Letter of Understanding has provided industry the confidence and incentive needed to take early action to reduce smog and acid rain causing emissions.

In anticipation of the fact that Ontario's new Emission Reduction Trading regulation would supersede the rules of the PERT project, the membership resolved to form a new not-for-profit, federally incorporated body called CleanAir Canada. Operational in September of 2000, CleanAir Canada was comprised of largely the same membership as the PERT project. Since then, new members have joined and interest is continuing to grow. In addition to the objectives outlined in the previous section, CleanAir Canada continues to serve as a forum for the review and registration of GHG emission reduction activities.

As no jurisdiction in Canada currently has legislation regulating either emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), or the trading of GHG reductions, CleanAir Canada is currently seeking a renewed Letter of Understanding with the Ontario MOE which will address the need for early reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

MISSION

CleanAir Canada will:

· Be the representative voice for the aggregated views of its business members on the design, development and implementation of both offsets mechanisms and domestic emission trading in Canada;

· Support the realization of offsets mechanisms in Canada by assisting business and government in the validation, verification, and registration processes required to transact offsets in Canada against required obligations; and

· Become the agent for delivery of the key process of offset registration in Canada.



Objective
The objective of CleanAir Canada is to demonstrate leadership in the development and facilitation of market-based approaches to reducing, offsetting and managing emissions. This objective is achieved by:

1.    Reviewing and registering the emission reduction activities of various organizations;
2. providing a forum within which members and other stakeholders can exchange scientific, policy, technical, legal, financial and accounting information regarding emission reduction, offsetting and management; and;
3. identifying, qualifying and engaging in:
(a) public education;
(b) promotion and advocacy of emission trading and communication;
(c) policy analysis and research;
(d) the recruitment of industry, government, academic and non-governmental organizations in open dialogue on clean air market mechanisms.


Guiding Principles
A strong set of principles guide the way in which the objectives of CleanAir Canada are realized. These principles are vital to the rigour and credibility of CleanAir Canada and to the ultimate success of emissions trading as an environmental policy tool.

1.    Emission reduction credits will be real, surplus, retrospectively quantifiable, verifiable and unique.
2. All actions taken by all parties in CleanAir Canada will comply with the letter and intent of all laws and regulations.
3. Actions taken by parties in CleanAir Canada will have no negative environmental impact.
4. CleanAir Canada will, over time, identify issues related to trading among emitters from different industries and different jurisdictions.
5. Issues will be resolved, as much as possible, through a consensus-based multi-stakeholder process.