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Climate Action |
Climate change is a global issue that requires local action and the City is leading the movement toward a greener, more liveable and sustainable community.
NEW! - The City has endorsed a new Community Energy and Emissions Plan which focuses on energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Visit www.cnv.org/ClimatePlanUpdate to find out more. Visit Climate Action re: Bill 27 for information on the upcoming Public Hearing for the related Official Community Plan Amendment.
History
The City joined the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Partners for Climate Protection program in 1997. This national initiative supports municipal governments in their efforts to reduce GHG emissions and address the larger issues of global climate change. The City has made steady progress through the five milestone PCP framework and is now poised to reach the final milestone 5 of the PCP program, becoming one of only a few municipalities nation-wide to do so.
In 2005, the City was one of the first municipalities in the country to develop a Greenhouse Gas Local Action Plan. The LAP set targets for both corporate (City operations) and community greenhouse gas reduction, and gained an Energy Aware Award from the B.C. Community Energy Association. The Action Plan identifies and implements opportunities for the City to use energy more efficiently and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the City.
Taking Action
The City's Local Action Plan focuses on cost-effective actions to reduce GHG emissions that also provide significant environmental, economic and social benefits. The City aims to better manage the impacts of urban development related to energy, greenhouse gases and air quality, while achieving broader community objectives related to affordable housing, transportation management, job creation and local economic development.
There are two components to the city's climate action initiatives: a corporate program and community-wide program.
Corporate Actions
The City's corporate GHG reduction program aims to reduce emissions by 20% below the 1995 baseline by 2010.
Corporate Climate Action Initiatives (as of June 2009)
- Efficiency upgrades to city buildings to reduce annual energy consumption
- Solar panels atop the City Library provide an alternative energy source for the City's Lonsdale Energy Corporation district heating system
- Civic Building Design Guidelines to ensure all new buildings are constructed to LEED standards
- Sustainable Purchasing Policy to encourage energy efficient procurement decisions
- Traffic signal upgrades to more efficient LEDs
- Vehicle right-sizing and hybrid City fleet vehicles
- Use of bio-diesel in City fleet (pilot program)
- Electric bikes for City staff to use in their daily corporate operations
- Trenchless Sewer Renewal to minimize fuel use and emissions
- Street Tree Master Plan
- City-wide Green Team of staff advocates for sustainable corporate practices
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For more information about the City's general corporate green initiatives, visit our Sustainable Corporate Practices webpage.
Community Actions
The City's community GHG reduction program aims to reduce community-wide emissions by 6% below projected levels by 2010. The City recognizes the important role members of the community play in building a sustainable, liveable community. Several education and outreach activities are presently underway in support of the City's Local Action Plan.
NEW! - The City is initiating the process for updating the community component of the Local Action Plan. The new Community Climate Action Plan will identify actions for maximum community GHG reduction. The City will be hosting public consultation sessions to gather feedback on the direction for the community climate action plan. Visit www.cnv.org/ClimatePlanUpdate for updates.
Community-wide Climate Action Initiatives (as of June 2009)
Climate Action Task Force - NEW!
The interdisciplinary nature of climate action challenges and solutions necessitates an integrated and comprehensive approach. In recognition of the serious consequences of global climate change and the importance of taking early, coordinated action, the City has formed a Climate Action Task Force comprised of staff from all city departments. The Climate Action Task Force is responsible for providing overall direction and coordination to the City's corporate and community efforts.
Seal the Deal in Copenhagen - NEW!
World leaders have assembled in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference where they aim to reach agreement on the essential elements of a fair and effective deal on climate change. The City supports an international climate agreement and is committed to endorsing climate change through a variety of proactive policies and programs. Watch for City banners of support in Central and Upper Lonsdale.
Resources & Related Links
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