Why is OPG involved in a biodiversity program?

OPG is proud to be working hand-in-hand with these important organizations to engage Ontarians in a critical mission: the conservation and protection of the environment.

The conservation of biological diversity is an integral part of OPG's sustainable development efforts. OPG is committed to protecting biodiversity and to reducing the impact of operations on the environment. OPG Biodiversity is an initiative that builds on its commitment to conserve biodiversity, protect nature and fight climate change.

Why is OPG concerned with trees?

Trees are a crucial part of biodiversity. They create habitats, moderate greenhouse gases and enhance many species' quality of life. Forests also provide people with recreational opportunities and create a renewable resource. They help ecosystems by reducing erosion, enhancing soil structure, recycling nutrients and enhancing water and air quality.

There is an urgent need to restore healthy, native forests in Ontario, particularly in southern Ontario. OPG is working with partners such as LEAF and Trees Ontario, local conservation authorities, stewardship groups and the provincial government to protect and restore Ontario's forests.

Why is OPG distributing Seed Kits

Since 1999, OPG and its conservation partners and site communities have planted more than 4.4 million trees and shrubs on approximately 2200 hectares of land.

"OPG is a leader in restoring forest biodiversity," says Rob Keen, acting CEO of LEAF and Trees Ontario.

However, industry and environmental partners cannot restore forests alone. We need a helping hand. By distributing seed kits, we hope to get many more trees into the ground and help ensure these trees have long, healthy lives.

Your kit may seem like a small step, but together we have the potential to plant and care for thousands of new trees that will sequester carbon dioxide, mitigate climate change and provide new habitats for wildlife.

What is OPG's commitment to the environment?

As the first utility in North America to develop a biodiversity policy, OPG has integrated the need to conserve biodiversity into its ongoing operations. No other Ontario company has such a record.

"The goal of OPG's biodiversity policy, which has existed since the inception of the company, is to demonstrate that we can co-exist with nature without causing or contributing to the long-term decline of species or the habitats upon which they depend," says Tom Mitchell, President and CEO. "Our policy and our conservation actions demonstrate that industry can and does have a clear role to play in conserving Ontario's biodiversity."

What has OPG been doing to manage its environmental footprint?

At OPG, biodiversity conservation includes efforts to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases. Our biodiversity initiatives are designed to implement the four Rs of biodiversity: RETAIN what is significant, RESTORE habitats that have been degraded, REPLACE habitats that have been lost and RECOVER species at risk.

Each of our hydroelectric, nuclear and thermal plants has a biodiversity plan that integrates into the company's overall environmental management system to help protect and enhance significant habitats and the species they support. Each of our 65 hydroelectric, five thermal, and three nuclear sites are ISO14001 environmentally certified.

All our thermal and nuclear sites have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council - a nonprofit group of corporations, conservation organizations and individuals dedicated to restoring and enhancing wildlife habitats. Many of OPG's hydroelectric sites are certified and support a number of programs such as eel ladders, managing water flow for fish spawning and rescuing stranded Lake Sturgeon.

What do environmental agencies think of OPG's efforts?

In 2009 we received the Wildlife Habitat Council's Conservation, Education and Outreach (CEO) award - their top international recognition award. The award recognizes companies with a history of striving for excellence in biodiversity.

In 2008 OPG was the proud recipient of two coveted awards at the WHC's annual symposium:

• Corporate Habitat of the Year Award, received by Darlington Nuclear for outstanding environmental stewardship and voluntary employee efforts on sites that are currently certified with WHC. OPG has been distinguished with this award three times - in 2008 (Darlington Nuclear), 2007 (Pickering Nuclear) and in 2001 (Pickering Nuclear).


• Wings Over Wetlands Award, jointly awarded by the WHC and Ducks Unlimited, recognizing active corporate participation in wetland stewardship and those who have created and protected wetland habitat for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife, flora and people.

The WHC has also awarded OPG with several other awards since 1999, including two 20th Anniversary Signatures of Sustainability Awards given to Pickering Nuclear and Darlington Nuclear in 2007.

How does this fit into Ontario's overall environmental strategy?

OPG's actions support the Ontario government's Biodiversity Strategy, which recognizes that all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, industry and the public must cooperate in the care of Ontario's rich biological assets.

What is OPG?

As one of the largest producers of electricity in North America, Ontario Power Generation operates 65 hydroelectric, 5 thermal and 3 nuclear stations producing more than 19,000 megawatts of electricity. In 2009, OPG generated about two-thirds of the electricity in Ontario.

OPG boasts one of the most diversified, low cost and low emission portfolios in North America. We're committed to continually improving the efficiency of our generating stations so that Ontario has the power it needs, when it needs it.

OPG is celebrating its 11th year of serving the province. Building on a proud history, OPG provides Ontario's homes and businesses with clean, safe and reliable electricity.

Learn more about OPG at opg.com.