2024 Environmental Performance
2024 Environmental Performance
In 2024, NOVAGOLD and Donlin Gold maintained high environmental standards and reported transparently, including NOVAGOLD’s submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) under the new format that combines the climate change, forests, and water security questionnaires into one, with plans for continued submissions in 2025.
Energy, Emissions, and Climate Change
In 2023, NOVAGOLD formalized its commitment to environmental stewardship by adopting corporate climate change and biodiversity policies. These policies outline the Company’s approach to managing climate-related impacts across current and future operations, including the Donlin Gold project, while also setting an aspirational goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Implementation of the Climate Change Policy began in 2023, alongside the release of NOVAGOLD’s inaugural Climate Change Strategy Report, developed in alignment with TCFD recommendations. In 2024, the Company hosted specialized climate-related risk management workshops to further refine its approach.
NOVAGOLD follows established definitions for greenhouse gas emissions:
- Scope 1 (Direct Emissions) – Emissions from sources owned or controlled by the Company. Fuel consumption at Donlin Gold is the principal source of Scope 1 emissions.
- Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions) – Emissions resulting from purchased energy generation.
- Scope 3 (Indirect Emissions) – Emissions from upstream and downstream activities.
Currently, NOVAGOLD reports all Donlin Gold emissions within its boundaries, disclosing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in accordance with TCFD requirements. Scope 3 emissions are not yet measured, as they are not required. However, future disclosure
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is fundamental to life on Earth, supporting resilient ecosystems that can adapt to environmental changes. At the Donlin Gold project, protecting local fish and wildlife is especially crucial, as they sustain the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Guided by our Biodiversity Policy, NOVAGOLD is committed to responsible biodiversity management, striving for no net loss of biodiversity values. We integrate conservation practices into all aspects of our operations—minimizing impacts, restoring disrupted ecosystems, and actively enhancing biodiversity across the Y-K region.
Through proactive stewardship, we work to preserve the region’s natural balance for future generations.