Collaboration and research across the value chain are other important vehicles for continual improvement. CEPA and its members work with a variety of organizations and associations across the energy value chain to meet climate objectives and ensure industry is working together for positive change. For example, in March 2017, the Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (PTAC) and CEPA signed a memorandum of understanding to work together on pipeline industry advancements in areas such as pipeline integrity, reliability and efficiency to mitigate safety risks, reduce environmental impacts and limit the social impacts of pipelines.
Additionally, CEPA members work collaboratively to share their knowledge and innovations with one another to drive performance improvements in the pipeline industry. One of the key ways they do this is through Integrity First, a management systems approach designed by CEPA members. It supports the setting of collective priorities, plans, assessments and improvements. The Integrity First cycle includes six stages that each priority goes through for successful implementation. Priorities are identified through research and feedback gathered from the public and industry.