environment
energy and resource management
Our total energy consumption in 2005 of 1,032 gigawatt hours translates to 83 kWh per square foot of space (based on our 2004 estimate of 12,400,000 square feet) or 0.2 per cent of Canada’s total electricity use based on 2002 results (see eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/canada.html). We will continue to work hard to reduce our energy use to ensure we meet our long-term goal, and we remain committed to looking for new ways to achieve greater energy conservation.
Energy conservation – Initiatives launched in 2005 include: the installation by our wireless operations of a new generation of switching equipment that powers down when not in use; reduced battery back-up requirements in the wireline operations; and increased use of ambient air to cool our facilities, where practicable. These additional conservation practices helped reduce power consumption and appear to have offset any increase attributable to the launch of TV service in Alberta and B.C.
Fleet – In 2005, we added 75 vehicles to our western fleet and included TELUS Québec fleet vehicles in our inventory for the first time. As of June, we had 5,100 vehicles in the TELUS fleet. The distance travelled by the fleet in 2005, inferred on the basis of seven months of operational data, increased by two per cent, while the total fuel consumed decreased by one per cent. Considering the Quebec portion of the fleet for the first time, the increases in distance travelled and fuel consumed are 10 per cent and five per cent respectively. The improved fuel efficiency in the western fleet is likely an effect of more fuel efficient vehicles purchased by our fleet team, including hybrid electric vehicles. The labour disruption interrupted the fleet tracking program and fleet usage declined during the disruption, requiring that we estimate the results for the last five months of the year. Actual fuel usage and distance travelled are expected to be much lower than reported, as a significant portion of the fleet was out of service during the labour disruption. However, in order to facilitate year-over-year comparisons, we are reporting on estimated full year results for a business-as-usual scenario.
Air emissions – Since TELUS is not a manufacturing company, our direct air emissions are the result of fleet operations, fuel use for power and heat, and losses from fire suppression and refrigeration systems. We also track indirect emissions resulting from energy consumption (e.g., electricity and steam). Our target for CO2 emissions is intensity based (similar to our eco-efficiency target for energy). Specifically, we want to reduce emissions per dollar of revenue by two per cent per year through 2007, using 2003 as a base year. Our CO2 intensity (measured in kg/$) decreased significantly in 2005, due mainly to the decrease in emission factors used for converting electric energy generation to carbon dioxide equivalent (for indirect emissions, which are dependent on the factors provided by power companies and which are subject to change year over year). Our CO2 emissions were 0.05 per cent of Canada’s total CO2 equivalent for 1999 and translate to 0.04 kg/$ revenue. (See www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/ghg/guidance/protocols/Electric2003/p6_e.cfm.)
We agreed to participate in the Government of Canada’s one tonne challenge in 2005. Our rollout was interrupted by the labour disruption and further implementation is planned for 2006.
We expect to see an improvement in emissions in 2006 as a result of a contract with Epcor in Alberta to replace 10 per cent of energy from coal or gas with green energy, as well as through the use of hybrid vehicles and carbon avoidance through programs such as teleworking.
Alternative energy – Where possible, and economically feasible, we remain committed to expanding the use of alternative energy. At year-end 2005, we had 35 solar-powered installations in service, thereby forgoing the need for the equivalent in diesel generator use and the accompanying risks. In 2005, we re-evaluated a business case for replacing generators with wind/solar arrays, and determined that such changes may become cost effective in the near future. In fact, TELUS has plans to install a pilot wind turbine system at a Vancouver Island radio site in 2006. TELUS has conducted several wind pilot studies in the past. They were unsuccessful; however, the technology has improved sufficiently to warrant a new pilot program.
2005 conferencing and telework – In 2001, we began reporting carbon and nitrogen oxide avoidance, based on the use of our conferencing services as a replacement for travel. In 2002, video and teleconference calls were combined and we continue to report on this environmental opportunity to reduce greenhouse gases. In 2005, use of conferencing services both internal and external to TELUS increased by 33 per cent overall. The acquisition in 2004 of ADCOM, the largest video conferencing company in Canada, contributed to the strong growth in use of these services. The calculation we use to determine the pollutants avoided has been in use since 1999 and we intend to review the methodology in 2006.