Alberta’s Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis shows that while production has grown by 96 per cent since 2012, reaching 1.56 million barrels per day, oil sands emissions continue to decline.

The new report supports the federal government’s 2025 National Inventory Report, which shows that Alberta had the greatest absolute reduction in emissions of any Canadian province or territory between 2022 and 2023, reducing emissions by 2.1 million tonnes.

This data is part of declining emissions across Alberta’s economy:

• Overall emissions have declined by nine per cent since 2015, while overall energy production increased by 20 per cent.
• Conventional oil emissions have declined 19 per cent since 2015, while production increased by seven per cent.
• Transportation emissions have declined 12 per cent since 2015.
• Heavy industry emissions have declined eight per cent since 2015.
• Natural gas production and processing emissions have declined 24 per cent since 2015.
• Methane emissions have declined 52 per cent since 2014.
• Electricity emissions have declined 45 per cent since 2015.

Albertans can learn more by visiting Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction performance.

“Alberta continues to lead the way in responsible energy development. The 2023 report shows our oil sands sector is producing more energy with fewer emissions per barrel – a clear sign of innovation and commitment that comes from working with producers. This is why countries around the world are looking to us as a responsible producer of choice. We’re proud to lead Canada in absolute emissions reductions. We don’t need top-down policies from the federal government to do this, and we’ll continue to drive common sense progress that benefits both our economy and the environment.”

“Albertans have always been at the forefront of innovation and produce the most responsible oil in the world. With our vast reserves, we have the ability to bring energy security to North America and our Asian trading partners and continue to fuel our economy for generations to come.”

Related information

• Alberta’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction performance
• Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis

In June 2013, southern Alberta experienced the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history, causing five deaths, displacing more than 80,000 Albertans and resulting in more than $5 billion in damages. In response, Alberta’s government committed to building SR1 to strengthen flood protection for Calgary and nearby communities.

Construction of the SR1 began in 2022, following robust engagements with the public and First Nations, and a comprehensive regulatory process. Following three years of construction, the SR1 is now complete and can provide communities along the Elbow River with a floodwall of defense against large-scale floods. As a dry reservoir, it will divert, store and then release flood waters back to the Elbow River when it’s safe to do so.

“With flood season now upon us, Calgary and southern Alberta can rest assured that they will be protected from future large-scale floods like that of 2013. SR1’s innovative design will ensure people, communities and businesses are buffered from the most devastating physical and economic impacts of major floods.”

“We are defending Albertans in Calgary and southern Alberta from the risks of floods. The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir, which is now operational, will help reduce flood risks and protect lives, homes, businesses and the critical infrastructure we all rely on for many years to come.”

Components include 70.2 million m³  of reinforced concrete for storage capacity, which is about 28,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. SR1 is the first of its kind in Alberta, using a coordinated approach to engage multiple aspects of flood mitigation infrastructure. SR1 will work in tandem with the Glenmore Reservoir and other flood mitigation infrastructure in and around Calgary to manage downstream water flows and reduce the impacts of floods by temporarily holding water and reducing flows in the Elbow River. As water volume increases and the Elbow River water level rises, SR1’s diversion channel will move water to the off-stream storage reservoir, protecting surrounding areas from flooding.

“The Springbank Reservoir reflects government’s commitment to protecting Albertans, wildlife and the diverse landscapes we all share. This flood mitigation measure will ensure critical habitats are protected, meaning fish and wildlife populations in the region can continue to thrive, while also protecting the outdoor spaces Albertans hold dear.”

SR1 was designed to minimize environmental impacts and by managing downstream river flow, SR1 not only reduces the overall flood risk, it also protects the river, critical habitat, fish and wildlife. Mitigation and monitoring plans were developed during the regulatory process for fish, air quality, surface and groundwater, wildlife and vegetation.

“Calgarians remember all too well the devastation of the 2013 floods. Today marks a turning point. The completion of SR1 means we are better prepared, more resilient and actively protecting people, property and prosperity. I’m proud to see this collaborative investment in long-term safety and sustainability for our region.”

Indigenous monitors were on site during construction, and any items identified as having historical or cultural importance were assessed by an archaeologist and reported to Alberta Culture, in accordance with the Historical Resources Act. Following engagement with First Nations, a land use plan was developed to guide land use when SR1 is not being used for flood mitigation.

Key facts

• SR1 is located in Rocky View County, about 15 kilometres west of Calgary on Treaty 7 land.
• SR1 is a dry (off-stream) reservoir that will only hold water during a flood emergency, diverting flood water from the Elbow River before releasing it back into the river after the flood risk has passed.
• Total cost:
  • $849.4 million – total estimated cost, including land purchases
    • $680.9 million – total provincial government cost
    • $168.5 million – federal government contribution
• SR1 components:
  • 4.7-kilometre long, 24-metre -wide diversion channel
  • 29-metre high, 3.8-kilometre long, off-stream earthen storage dam and reservoir
  • Includes:
    • 5.2 million m³ of dam infill and 5.6 million m³ of excavated earth were used

Multimedia 

•     Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir conceptual animation