Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Leadership
In British Columbia, like-minded individuals, businesses, communities and Indigenous Peoples are partnering to create an economic and investment climate that prioritizes sustainability. With strong, measurable commitments to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, British Columbia (B.C.) goes beyond talking about diversity and sustainability—these principles are ingrained in everyday business practices.
With a landscape rich in natural resources, a progressive policy environment, and a deep commitment to social equity and good governance, B.C. offers a favourable environment for responsible investment and long-term value creation.
Why B.C. Stands Apart
British Columbia is more than a place—it’s a vision for what a sustainable, inclusive, and well-governed future looks like. With its renewable energy focus, bold climate agenda, strong social values, and commitment to transparency and accountability, B.C. is uniquely positioned as a leader for ESG-driven investment.
Environmental Advantages
Clean Energy Grid
B.C. is the cleanest jurisdiction in western North America with an average of 98% of our electricity generation coming from clean or renewable resources, primarily hydroelectricity. This provides businesses operating in BC with access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Sustainable Resource Management
BC emphasizes sustainable management of its abundant natural resources, particularly forests and water. Sustainable resources (e.g., clean power, recycled materials, mass timber, biofuel and renewable natural gas/biomethane) are integrated into supply chains, making B.C. a competitive jurisdiction to conduct green business practices and meet global sustainability targets for businesses.
Strong Environmental Regulations
BC has robust legislative and regulatory frameworks to support environmental sustainability, ensuring that businesses operate within clear guidelines to protect the environment.
Ambitious Climate Targets
British Columbia has set aggressive climate action goals, including a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from 2007 levels) and net-zero emissions by 2050 through its CleanBC plan. This commitment drives innovation and investment in clean technologies and sustainable practices across various sectors.
Carbon Management and Clean Fuels
The province is actively developing strategies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and is working to become a leader in clean fuels, especially hydrogen, which offers significant opportunities for decarbonization.
Social Advantages
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
A distinctive and crucial aspect of BC’s social landscape is its commitment to true, lasting, and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is a landmark provincial law protecting Indigenous human rights. Engaging Indigenous communities respectfully and collaboratively is seen as vital for de-risking investments and achieving meaningful societal outcomes.
Immigration
British Columbia values the contributions everyone makes to build a vibrant economy by promoting new skills, ways of thinking and embracing new people. B.C.’s immigration plays an important role in the social and economic fabric. People from around the world move to B.C. to pursue new lives in a welcoming and beautiful province. B.C. provides wide-spread support for immigration and holds a commitment to investments in settlement services and supports. This allows the province to attract talent, grow the population and realize the socioeconomic benefits of immigration that contributes to a prosperous economy.
Diverse and Skilled Workforce
British Columbia attracts talent from around the world, promoting new skills, ways of thinking, and embracing new people. This diversity enriches the social and economic fabric of the province and contributes to a skilled workforce.
Focus on Social Equity
The government is committed to addressing systemic discrimination and promoting equality. This includes investments in settlement services for immigrants and a focus on ensuring economic growth translates into improvements in the quality of life for all British Columbians.
Emphasis on Health and Safety
There are strong regulations and frameworks in place, such as those governed by Technical Safety BC, to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public.
Governance Advantages
Stable and Transparent Democracy
Canada and British Columbia offer a stable political, governmental, and regulatory environment based on the rule of law. This provides certainty and predictability for businesses and investors. The province is a stable, transparent democracy with rules of law and strong institutions.
Strong Regulatory Frameworks
BC has transparent regulations and reporting requirements, including new climate accountability laws, which encourage businesses to disclose their ESG performance and drive continuous improvement.
Intergovernmental Collaboration
Strong collaboration across all levels of government (provincial, federal, and Indigenous) creates a dynamic business environment that encourages and safeguards investment.
Responsible Conduct and Accountability
There’s a strong emphasis on responsible conduct for elected officials and a clear framework for governance and powers at the local government level, ensuring accountability and ethical practices. The Professional Governance Act further strengthens oversight for self-regulating professions.
The ESG Centre of Excellence
British Columbia has established an ESG Centre of Excellence to support businesses in launching or expanding their ESG strategies, facilitating ESG investment, and attracting socially and environmentally conscious investors.
Learn more about B.C.
Discover the sector or regional advantages to support your business. Learn more about community engagement and consulting with Indigenous people and First Nations communities in British Columbia.