Environment
Guided by CenterPoint Energy’s Environmental Policy, environmental stewardship and biodiversity are integral parts of our overall corporate sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach. We have a long history of conducting our businesses in a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible manner.
Our primary environmental focus areas include compliance; air quality; emissions reductions, environmental and sustainability activities and risks, including risks related to climate change; biodiversity, land use and preservation; waste and recycling; and water management.
NET ZERO EMISSIONS
BY 2035
Net Zero by 2035
By 2035, our Net Zero goal is for our operations to remove or eliminate more carbon-related emissions from the environment than we produce.
We have established the following goals:
- Achieve Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions directly attributable to our operations and facilities by 2035 as part of our ESG strategy and in alignment with the Paris Agreement
- Achieve a corporate Scope 3 goal of a net reduction of 20-30% in carbon emissions attributed to residential and commercial customer end-use from 2021 levels by 2035
In support of these goals, we are:
- Partnering with customers to offer affordable conservation and energy efficiency programs
- Continuing partnerships with customers to offer effective and affordable conservation and energy efficiency programs
- Continuing to develop alternative fuels programs, such as renewable natural gas, to provide customers new energy choices
- Piloting and supporting research and development of new and innovative low-carbon technologies, including carbon capture
OVERSIGHT
CenterPoint Energy’s Vice President of Environmental and Corporate Sustainability, who reports directly to the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, has responsibility for oversight of environmental matters, as well as assessing the company’s sustainability strategy and initiatives.
The Governance, Environmental and Sustainability Committee of our Board of Directors, the full Board or both receive quarterly reports from the Vice President of Environmental and Corporate Sustainability about the company’s environmental and sustainability activities and risks, including risks related to climate change.
Air Quality
Nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), mercury (Hg) and particulate matter (PM) are produced as a result of burning coal to produce electricity. These emissions, if not controlled, can negatively impact local air quality. Since 2001, CenterPoint Energy has invested more than $500 million in emissions control equipment to capture these pollutants and directly improve local air quality. Learn More»
Scrubbed for Emissions
Our entire electric generation fleet is:
Capturing Particulate Matter
ALL UNITS in our system are equipped with an electrostatic precipitator or a fabric filter that can REMOVE PARTICULATE MATTER at an average of 99% EFFICIENCY.
Controlling Mercury and Sulfur Trioxide
Enhancements to our system to comply with the MERCURY AND AIR TOXICS STANDARDS (MATS) began in 2014 with a focus on reducing sulfur trioxide and mercury emissions, as well as mercury reductions in wastewater.
Biodiversity and Land Use
CenterPoint Energy’s biodiversity, conservation and land use initiatives include habitat restoration projects, endangered species conservation activities, and native wildlife rescue and release efforts. Our Environmental department oversees the corporate environmental compliance programs. Learn More»
Grants to The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation Reinforce Our Commitment to Net Zero
In June 2021, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation announced a $1 million contribution to two environmental organizations focused on land and water conservation, environmental education and tree plantings to help build sustainable futures for communities the company serves. The Nature Conservancy and The Arbor Day Foundation each received a $500,000 grant to support restoration of the Mississippi River and provide environmental education and tree plantings to elementary school students throughout the company’s service territory.
CenterPoint Energy is committed to providing investors and other stakeholders with information about the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities and key issues, while also highlighting relevant data and examples. Our ESG reporting discusses our business, operations and strategies; how we engage with our stakeholders, approach environmental stewardship, support our communities, and provide a safe, inclusive workplace; and our plans to achieve our net-zero energy objectives.