Agreements among TransCanada and Aboriginal communities to work together in a well-defined and mutually beneficial process that is specific to a single area. The agreements offer Aboriginal access to business and labour opportunities during both construction and operation of our facilities. By providing guidelines for the overall process of consultation on projects, they tend to foster understanding and speed project approvals.
air emission
A term that applies to a chemical, physical (e.g., particulate matter) or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere and may impair the health of plants and animals (including humans) or reduce visibility.
blowdown
A blowdown is the act of releasing natural gas from a section of pipeline so work can be done safely. TransCanada employees will close several valves to isolate that section of the pipeline and then open a special blowdown valve to release any natural gas.
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) provides a secretariat for the world's largest institutional investor collaboration on the business implications of climate change. CDP represents an efficient process whereby many institutional investors collectively sign a single global request for disclosure of information on Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
combined cycle
In a typical natural gas combined-cycle facility, electricity is generated combining the energy from two power generating cycles. Natural gas is burned in the gas turbine which turns an electricity generator. The hot exhaust from the gas turbine is used to produce steam, which turns a steam turbine and another electricity generator. By combining the cycles together, the resulting energy efficiency is about 55% compared to 35% for a typical gas turbine alone.
commercial initiatives
Partnerships with charities and community-based organizations that directly support the success of the company, promote brand identity and other business goals.
comparable earnings
Comparable earnings comprise net earnings adjusted for specific items that are significant but not typical of the Company’s operations. Specific items are subjective; however, management uses its best judgement and informed decision-making when identifying items to be excluded in calculating comparable earnings.
Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. See www.sustainability-index.com
environmental stewardship
A broad term for reducing the impact of human daily activities on the environment. Such actions may range from individual behavioural changes to large-scale programs such as waste management, contaminated sites management, or energy audits that demand complex, coordinated approaches.
fugitive emissions
Emissions that are released into the air from sources other than stacks or vents. They are often due to equipment leaks or evaporative processes.
greenhouse gases (GHGs)
Gaseous components of the atmosphere from natural and man-made processes that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Common GHGs include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.
The operation of TransCanada's pipeline and power facilities produces “direct” emissions of three GHGs: carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. TransCanada also accounts for indirect emissions, which are produced by companies that generate the electricity TransCanada purchases for use at our facilities. GHG impacts are global, which means reductions in any part of the world will help limit the effects of these emissions on the climate.
infrastructure deficit
The growing gap between energy demand and the ability to move that energy from source to consumer safely, securely, and cost-effectively.
Integrated HSE Management System
There are two aspects to TransCanada's Integrated HSE Management System: the framework and the continuous improvement cycle.
The system framework is modeled after ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems and is used to capture, organize, and document our company's commitment and expectations when it comes to managing our responsibilities.
Our continuous improvement cycle contains 11 elements, or checkpoints, that we use in addition to the framework.
liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Liquefied natural gas is natural gas in its liquid state. As a liquid, natural gas is reduced to one six-hundredth of its original volume, which makes it feasible to transport over long distances in specially designed ocean tankers for storage, re-gasification and delivery to markets.
multi-stakeholder processes
Processes that bring together major stakeholders (those with a vested interest) to communicate and make decisions about a particular issue.
natural gas storage facilities
Underground caverns across North America used to store natural gas as a means of ensuring a safe and secure supply for domestic and international markets. This extra gas storage capacity also helps to balance seasonal and short-term supply and demand.
philanthropic gifts
Intermittent support to a wide range of good causes in response to the needs of charity and community organizations.
pipeline integrity
The safe and reliable operation of pipeline infrastructure in conformity with all applicable safety regulations.
polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
From the 1930s until the 1970s, PCB mixtures were used for a variety of industrial applications. Their use was largely discontinued in the 1970s because of concerns about their negative environmental impact.
Polygeneration
(Bell Plaine)
The Belle Plaine project proposes to convert petroleum coke, a low grade by-product of heavy oil upgrading, into electricity, steam, nitrogen, hydrogen and high pressure CO2 for industrial uses. It will generate much needed and reliable energy, recycle most of the emissions and help meet greenhouse emission reduction targets.
reclamation
The conversion of lands disturbed by oil and gas activities to other productive land uses, usually involving recontouring, establishment of drainage systems, placement of topsoil or plants, and revegetation through planting or seeding.
re-gasification
The conversion of liquefied natural gas (see related entry) to its gaseous form.
remediation
The removal of contaminants or pollutants from a specific environmental location.
renewable energy
Energy derived from sources that are constantly replenished by natural processes such as wind, water, solar and geothermal.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Sponsored by U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes and U.S. Representative Michael Oxley, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 specifies criminal and civil penalties for noncompliance, certification of internal auditing, and increased financial disclosure. It affects American public companies and non-U.S. companies listed on an American stock exchange.
social investment
Strategic involvement in community partnerships that address a specific range of social issues chosen by the company. These programs often support corporate interests and enhance reputation.
stakeholder
Someone with a vested interest in the outcome of a decision. TransCanada's key stakeholders include our employees, shareholders, customers, community residents, landowners, Aboriginal peoples, regulators, environmental organizations, industry peers, and business partners.
traditional knowledge
Information about the land and its resources that has been collected and handed down from generation to generation among Aboriginal peoples.
