Indigenous Engagement Role in Sustainable Pipeline Construction: Canadian Insights

This paper examines the pivotal role of Indigenous engagement (IE) in fostering sustainable pipeline construction in Canada. It delves into how meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities contributes to social acceptance and project success. it examines how IE impacts the ESG score for pipeline projects, which in turn, affects the cost of capital for proceeding with projects. Using a case study, the paper finds that Indigenous engagement plays a crucial role in determining the weight and score of the social component in ESG evaluations. It concludes that improvements in Indigenous engagement can lead to a lower cost of capital, ultimately enhancing the economic sustainability of pipeline projects.