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The data and methods used to develop the greenhouse gas emissions indicator described in this document are considered to be the best available at this time (Environment Canada, 2006).
Annex I Parties are required to continuously improve the quality of their national greenhouse gas inventory to further refine and increase the transparency, completeness, accuracy, consistency, and comparability. As new information and data become available and more accurate methods developed, previous estimates are updated to provide a consistent and comparable trend in emissions. Although more accurate methods are sometimes available, the lack of necessary activity data often limits the use of these methods. Some of the planned initiatives for improving data availability are outlined below.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reporting Program
In an effort to improve Canada’s ability to monitor, report and verify greenhouse gas emissions, the Government of Canada in March 2004 and in partnership with the provincial and territorial governments, launched a national greenhouse gas reporting system.
The program requires facilities that emit 100 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (100 kt CO2 eq.) or more annually to submit their GHG emission information by June 1 of each year. The program has three main objectives: to enhance the level of detail of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory; to provide the public with timely GHG emissions information; and to support provincial/territorial GHG emissions information requirements. Portions of the collected data (totals by gas and by facility) are made available to the public.
By providing a more precise picture of the sources and quantities of Canada’s GHG emissions, data from the GHG emissions reporting system can be used to improve and confirm emission estimates developed from national and provincial statistics. The extent to which the information from the reporting system can be fully integrated into the inventory is dependent upon the level of detail and type of data available. Environment Canada will continue to use these data as an important component of the overall inventory development process.
Households and the Environment Survey
In early 2006, Statistics Canada surveyed Canadian households regarding selected environmental practices, such as commuting practices and ownership of household gasoline-powered equipment, to provide additional context for air quality indicators. Initial results of this survey are available, and full results will come out in 2007. The Households and the Environment Survey will be repeated in 2007 and every second year thereafter.
