Title: A North American definition for ''green electricity'': implications for sustainability

Authors: Ian H. Rowlands, Mary Jane Patterson

Addresses: Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada. Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

Abstract: This paper investigates the potential implications, for sustainability, of a North American standard for ||green electricity|| (that is, electricity generated by environmentally-friendlier means). More specifically, four conceivable approaches to a North American standard are identified, namely, a continental standard with no local variation, a continental standard with ||objective|| local variations, a continental standard with local interpretations and a set of continental norms with local priorities. For the first and last of these four approaches, potential sustainability impacts are highlighted and discussed. The paper concludes by arguing that further investigation is warranted the particular approach taken at the continental level has the potential to be a powerful force, either positively or negatively, with respect to the sustainability of the North American electricity system.

Keywords: Canada; electricity markets; green power; international trade; Mexico; sustainability; USA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2002.000733

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2002 Vol.1 No.3, pp.249-264

Published online: 17 Jul 2003 *

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