In late 2017, Council approved a 25% absolute reduction target by the year 2027 with a 2012 base year for its corporate emissions. This was a significant step for the municipality, showing leadership in the sustainability movement amongst peers and the business community.
At the time of approval, the Township had already achieved an 18.64% (1368 tonnes) reduction from 2012 to 2016. This leaves the Township with 107 tonnes remaining to achieve the 25% reduction target (1261 tonnes).
As of the end of 2020, the Township has achieved a 30.0% reduction or 1,174 GHG tonnes. As such, the Township achieved our 25.0% target, and have now surpassed it by 5.0%. While this is a significant achievement, COVID-19 has certainly influenced the amount of fuel and natural gas consumption throughout 2020. Operating factors such as facility closures and reduced fleet usage at certain points in the year attributed to reduced overall emissions.
As mentioned before, the Township’s GHG target is absolute, meaning the target does not change even factoring any growth the corporation may experience (e.g. additional building space). The GHG model currently incorporates hydro, fuel, natural gas and water consumption. The final step in the Township’s GHG model is to include waste of which staff and the working group are actively seeking ways to appropriately account for this type of impact.
What is has the Township done to reduce emissions?
The Sustainability Working Group regularly examines the Township’s emissions to readily align and identify opportunities to further advance our progress in achieving this target.
Several initiatives supported by the Sustainability Working Group include:
- Declaration of a Climate Emergency
- Investigation of Carbon Budgeting
- Endorsement of including the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the Township's 2020 Capital Program
- Endorsement of including an electric/hybrid vehicle in the Township's 2020 Capital Program
- HVAC Upgrades/Retrofits at various municipal facilities
- LED retrofits at various municipal facilities
- Participation in ClimateActionWR's 80 x 50 project
- Liaising with external bodies such as a concerned community member
- Inclusion of Charging Stations in the 2020 Capital Program
- Inclusion of a potential electric/hybrid vehicle in the 2020 Capital Program
Contacts