- Supply chain disruptions
- Increased energy consumption, GHG emissions, water withdrawal, and waste production due to capacity expansion.
- Environmental impact from manufacturing operations (wastewater, air emissions, noise, industrial waste).
- Environmental and ecological impacts from project development (visual impacts, habitat disruption, construction noise).
- Environmental impact from suppliers’ manufacturing activities.
Canadian Solar Inc.
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2022 reporting, Canadian Solar Inc. disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 1.5M tCO₂e/year (Scope 1 2 and certain Scope 3). By scope: Scope 1: 75.6K tCO₂e/year; Scope 2: 1.2M tCO₂e/year; Scope 3: 256.2K tCO₂e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
1.5M tCO₂e/year (Scope 1 2 and certain Scope 3)
2022
Renewable Energy
29% (including renewable electricity from the grid)
of total energy
Water Usage
8.6M m³/year (withdrawal) 2170000 m³/year (consumption)
2022
Waste
105.6 kt/year
2022
Energy Use
6.2M GJ/year
2022
📊 Emissions by Scope (2022)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 75.6K tCO₂e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 1.2M tCO₂e/year |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 256.2K tCO₂e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.5M tCO₂e/year (Scope 1 2 and certain Scope 3) |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced GHG emissions intensity by 16% in cell production
- Reduced year-over-year GHG emissions, energy, water, and waste intensity by 3%, 7%, 30%, and 15% respectively.
- Achieved 123 tCO₂e/MWp GHG emissions intensity, better than the goal of 124 tCO₂e/MWp.
- Reduced manufacturing water intensity by 76 t/MW (~11%).
- Reduced waste intensity by 14% or 1.5 t/MW.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce carbon intensity by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 levels.
- Reduce water consumption further by enhancing manufacturing and product efficiency and implementing additional water-saving measures.
📅 Medium-term
- Reduce carbon intensity by 28% compared to 2022 levels by 2027.
- Reduce energy intensity by 29% by 2027.
- Reduce water intensity by 26% by 2027.
- Reduce waste intensity by 23% by 2027.
- Achieve 74% renewable energy by 2027.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve 100% renewable energy generation before the end of the decade (2030).
- Increase female representation in the global workforce to 40% by 2027.
- Raise the proportion of employees with disabilities to 1-2% by 2027.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeEnvironmental StewardshipResponsible Supply ChainEthical Labor PracticesCommunity EngagementDiversity and InclusionGovernance