CP has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for the first time and in the North America Index (DJSI North America) for the third consecutive year.
CP completes installation of solar energy farm
CP is proud to announce the completion of the solar energy farm installation at its Calgary headquarters. The project is one of the largest private solar farms in Alberta and is expected to generate more power than consumed annually by the main headquarters building.
James Clements, Senior Vice-President Strategic Planning and Technology Transformation officially inaugurated the project March 31.
“This project is a testament to the ongoing commitment CP has made to reduce the environmental footprint of our business operations,” said Clements. “Sustainable business practices are important in our fight against climate change and should take into consideration the ability to meet our needs, without jeopardizing the future of generations to come.”
The solar energy farm will generate up to five megawatts of electricity while avoiding an estimated 2,600 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, equal to taking approximately 570 cars off the road. The project will reduce CP’s total scope 2 emissions footprint. Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gases emitted from sources that are owned or controlled by an organization. For CP, scope 2 emissions are generated during the production of electricity purchased from local utilities.
Construction of the solar farm began in October 2020 with utilities being placed into the ground before winter weather settled in. The completed installation spans approximately five hectares and provides covered parking for up to 500 employee vehicles. Four electric car-charging stations with the ability to fully charge most electrical cars in up to five hours were also added to provide employees with quick and efficient access.
“We are excited about how this project positions CP as a sustainably driven company,” said Glen Wilson, Managing Director Environmental Risk, Regulatory and Environment. “CP is being increasingly recognized globally for its sustainability practices and the conversion of our headquarters building to solar power is a very strong and visible indication of our commitment to climate action."
How it works: (1) Solar panels installed at CP’s Calgary headquarters. These photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into direct current power. (2) Inverters are used to convert direct current power from the solar farm to alternating current. (3) The inverters feed electricity into CP’s electrical distribution system, which powers the main headquarters building. (4) The bi-directional meter keeps track of energy imported from the grid. (5) The campus remains connected to the utility grid.
Read more in Climate Change.