About the industry

In a province enjoying abundant resources and strong future prospects, managing the environment is both a challenge and an opportunity. Alberta has a well-earned international reputation for excellence in water treatment, waste management, and the development of climate change solutions.

Industry fast facts

• Since 2002, Alberta businesses have invested more money in facilities and equipment to protect the environment than businesses in any other Canadian province
• Alberta has successfully recycled close to 65 million tires since 1992, over 2.8 million electronics since 2004, and over 3 million litres of waste paint and 151 tonnes of paint containers since 2007.
• Alberta is home to the largest remediation conference in Canada: The Remediation Technologies Symposium
• Edmonton’s Gold Bar wastewater treatment plant is one of the most innovative facilities in North America and a leader in wastewater technology

Areas of expertise

Alberta's environmental sector is helping to preserve the province's natural environment. The sector has become well known for its expertise in:

• Alternative energy: The Alternative and Renewable Energy sector is an emerging sector in Alberta with the greatest progress in bio-energy and wind energy development. Grant programs and producer credit programs are currently available for biofuel and bio-electricity development.

• Climate change solutions :The Alberta Innovates - Energy and Environment Solutions (formerly the Alberta Energy Research Institute) is responsible for energy-related research in Alberta and works with government and industry to promote innovation and technology in the energy sector. There is a focus on increased funding for the development and implementation of greenhouse gas related technologies which includes carbon capture and storage.

• Recycling: Alberta's environmental products and services sector actively encourages recycling. Some specialized initiatives include recycling programs covering plastics, paint, electronics and tires.

• Remediation: Alberta's environment sector is restoring land and water, making these natural resources clean, safe and usable. Drilling and production in the oil and gas industry require a wide range of environmental products and services.

• Waste Management: Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence (EWMCE) is a non-profit corporation established to meet solid waste and wastewater challenges worldwide. The Centre is a collaborative hub for innovative research, technology development and training.

• Water Treatment: Municipal infrastructure is expanding to meet growth in the province. Investment in oil sands mining will require increased water treatment.

Date Updated:
RDP-2047