2001 Triple Bottom Line Report - BC Hydro

TOPICS OF CONCERN TO COMMUNITIES
FOCUS ON THE IMPACTS OUR OPERATIONS
HAVE ON LOCAL QUALITY OF LIFE.
E N C O U R A G I N G D I A L O G U E
We invited several groups to comment on green energy
criteria for small hydro projects; joined a coalition of groups
and agencies seeking to accelerate development of Canada’s
renewable energy industry; and worked in partnership with
groups and governments to undertake a community energy
planning study in Nemiah Valley, a community isolated from
our provincial energy grid.
Consultations have also figured prominently in our GHGmanagement
actions. Our strategy for action on climate change
emphasizes dialogue with governments, industry groups and
stakeholder organizations. Last year we were involved in discussions
of Canada’s actions under the Kyoto agreement to reduce
GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2012; worked with industry
T B L D I A L O G U E
BC Hydro initiated focus group research last year to evaluate
the awareness and perception of TBL reporting among our
stakeholder groups, and for feedback on how we can improve
our TBL reporting. Research consisted of seven advisory groups
totalling more than forty representatives of non-governmental
organizations, industry, government, education specialists,
opinion leaders and BC Hydro staff.
Panel members suggested several ways BC Hydro’s TBL reporting
could improve:
• clearly state TBL and sustainability objectives up front;
• be more candid;
S O C I A L B O T T O M L I N E | 2 9
associations to develop climate change policy proposals for national
and international consideration; participated in multi-stakeholder
examinations of emission reduction trading; and advised the
B.C. government about our positions on climate change policy.
We extended our consultation efforts last year to include
soliciting feedback on our Triple Bottom Line Report for 1999.
We invited 41 people representing various groups, organizations
and agencies to evaluate and comment on the aim, direction
and content of the report, and to offer suggestions for its
improvement. Among their responses, participants encouraged
us to articulate more clearly our sustainability objectives,
be more candid about problem areas, set definite targets
and show trends.
• talk about the good and bad news that drives our business;
• provide hard numerical targets, and show what we plan to
do to get back on track if we do not meet our targets;
• make TBL goals part of our internal performance measures;
• keep pushing the envelope, don’t stand pat; and
• involve third-party verification.
Our responses to several suggestions – being more candid,
for example – are being incorporated into this year’s report.
Other changes, such as targets and measures and third-party
verification, will continue to evolve over the next few years.