Energy efficiency
We are consciously looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency of our operations, especially at our pulp and paper mills, where energy requirements are particularly high. Significant progress has been made on this front through the use of energy efficient equipment and improved maintenance practices.
Approximately 74.3% of the steam demand at these facilities comes from the use of renewable energy sources, such as spent pulping liquor and bark, while the remaining steam is produced by the use of more conventional fuels such as natural gas, oil and coal. Most of our facilities even generate a good portion of their electricity requirements, through the use of cogeneration (production of steam and power from the same energy source).
Climate change
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel combustion at our Canadian and U.S. operations decreased by 4.2% between 1990 and 2005, while our pulp and paper production rose by 23.9%. GHG emissions intensity (kg/tonne of product) has decreased by over 22% since 1990 and is expected to decrease further as energy efficiency measures continue to be implemented over time.
We are continuing our implementation of energy savings measures, which continue to be identified within our energy efficiency programs. This will further reduce our GHG emissions and our footprint on climate change. At the end of 2005, Domtar had reduced its Canadian GHG emissions from the affected facilities by 13.8%, which is more than twice the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol.