Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key sustainability initiative as envisioned in the City's Official Community Plan (OCP).
The City's Community Energy and Emissions Plan builds on its 100 Year Sustainability Vision for a zero carbon future and was adopted by Council in April 2010. It provides overall targets for community-wide greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with land use, buildings, transportation and waste.
Climate Action Targets
- Reduce emissions by 80% below 2007 levels by 2040
- Achieve net zero or 100% emissions by 2050
Council passed a Notice of Motion on February 25, 2019, for the City to increase its greenhouse gas reduction targets to achieve net zero by 2050. Council also recognized a special report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which states that, in order to avoid severe climate impacts, emissions must decline by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, and local governments must take the lead on climate action.
The City is a leader in developing sustainable transportation alternatives, building energy efficiency initiatives and encouraging waste diversion. To meet our ambitious climate action targets, staff are incorporating the new targets into the City’s plans, policies and business actions and will be reporting regularly on our progress.
Local Government Climate Action Program
The provincial government’s Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) provides the City with funding to support the implementation of climate actions. Provincial climate goals – to achieve 2030 emission reduction targets and reach net-zero carbon pollution by 2050 – are outlined in the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
Recipients of the funding are required to report to the province on local climate actions. View the City's LGCAP Report – July 2024.