Retirements - Ontario’s Emissions Trading Program Data

This historic dataset includes annual emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) as reported by facilities that were subject to the now revoked Emissions Trading Program. This dataset also includes corresponding emission allowances that were retired for each facility, for the corresponding pollutant type and calendar year. Facilities would apply to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to retire emission allowances – this dataset displays the Ministry-approved amount of retired allowances.

The program was set out under O. Reg. 397/01: Emissions Trading and O. Reg. 194/05: Industry Emissions - Nitrogen Oxides and Sulphur Dioxide, and ended in February 2021, as the program achieved its objectives by meeting its emission reduction obligations and targets.

The program set limits for nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from regulated facilities and allowed for the transfer or trade of emission allowances and credits between facilities, to provide flexibility for compliance. Regulated facilities included Ontario's large electricity generators, and petroleum, iron and steel, pulp and paper, flat glass, cement, carbon black, and base metal smelting facilities.