Dec 3, 2024
Committed to protecting the environment
We recognize that land has cultural and ecological significance in addition to its economic value.
Our Environment principles of stewardship, protection and performance guide us as we build, maintain and operate energy infrastructure. From our initial stakeholder and rightsholder engagements on project planning and design, through construction and operations, to the day we decommission and restore the land, we are committed to protecting the environment.
Climate change
As an energy infrastructure company, we recognize our role in the larger energy system, including our own emission of greenhouse gases. We are leaders in the development of a balanced and sustainable energy future and we’re doing our part to manage our GHG emissions through the programs and initiatives that meet, and often exceed, regulatory requirements.
Water
Our commitment to protecting the environment includes managing our interactions with water responsibly. Recognizing the importance of water to ecosystems and communities alike, we implement environmental protection measures informed by regulatory requirements and input from stakeholder and Indigenous engagement when crossing waterbodies during construction or using water to test the integrity of our pipelines.
Land & wildlife
We look for ways to reduce disturbance from our activities on land and ecosystems and, over 70 years, have returned thousands of acres to their natural state after pipeline and facility construction is complete. We undertake field studies and engage with stakeholders and Indigenous groups to develop specific environmental protection plans to conserve and protect natural resources throughout construction and operation of our facilities.
Case study:
Protecting the environment
TC Energy project planning and development includes environmental considerations. As part of the West Path Program’s Environmental Protection Plans, data was collected on environmental elements such as soils and terrain, wildlife and wildlife habitat, vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, water and water quality, heritage resources, air emissions and acoustic environment. This data helped identify environmental protection measures to be implemented with the goal of environmentally responsible construction and returning disturbed areas to equivalent land capability.
Watch how the West Path Program’s Foothills 2023 Elko project considered the environment during construction, as well as learn about the program’s ongoing efforts to support Whitebark Pine recovery and conservation, a species listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act.
Case study:
Environmental protection through enhancement of biodiversity
We understand the vital need to conserve, protect and restore habitat for wild animals and plants – both in the water and on land. From rivers to ranchlands and trout to caribou, we partner with organizations, such as the below, to conserve important habitat across the continent.
Canada
TC Energy's multi-year partnership with ALUS New AcreTM Project will help increase biodiversity, improve watershed health and mitigate the effects of climate change on 135 acres of marginal and uneconomic farmland in Ontario and Québec. New AcreTM Project farmlands are offered by farmers and ranchers, voluntarily enrolled in the ALUS program. This farmer-led model is designed to help communities and corporations achieve nature-based solutions and help create rural resilience, in support of climate change and biodiversity goals. Read the news release: TC Energy’s partnership with New AcreTM Project Empowers Farmers to Fight Climate Change.
United States
TC Energy contributed to Woodlands Preserve in Louisiana for assessment and restoration of forested wetlands, which can absorb 32 million gallons of water annually, reducing flooding in nearby communities. It also provides a habitat for native wildlife and migratory birds, with over 160 bird species recorded since 2004.
Mexico
In partnership with Oceanus A.C., TC Energy is contributing to the rehabilitation of coral reef sites in the state of Veracruz. This initiative aims to transplant 1,500 coral colonies on the Isla Lobos Reef. Increasing healthy coral colonies allows reef sites to begin their restoration process. The initiative will include maintenance and monitoring of the restoration sites, as well as education programs for TC Energy and local employees.
