For the fourth year in a row, the Township of Esquimalt has been recognized by the joint Provincial-Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Green Communities Committee as a BC Climate Action Community. This recognition is for achieving Level 2 (Measurement) in the Climate Action Recognition Program, the second of three levels in the program.
As a signatory to the Climate Action Charter since October 2008, the Township has demonstrated its commitment to work with the Province and UBCM to take action on climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in municipal operations and the community.
The Township was recognized by the Committee after completing a corporate carbon inventory and Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) public report for the 2015 reporting year. In 2015, the Township produced 1,037 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with 72% of emissions coming from the operation of municipal buildings and the other 28% from the municipal fleet. Highlights include the development of the Esquimalt Neighbourhood Watersheds Map, launching the “Branch Out” urban forest program, and completion of the Admirals Road Corridor Upgrade. Corridor upgrades included the addition of bike lanes, LED street lighting, transit infrastructure and two pedestrian crossing locations.
The 2015 CARIP Report highlights the progress and action being made towards reducing those emissions and meeting the Township’s Charter goals. CARIP is a conditional grant program that provides funding to Charter signatories equivalent to 100 percent of the carbon taxes they paid directly. The 2015 CARIP grant was $28,935 and was deposited in the Township’s Sustainability Reserve Fund to be used for funding sustainability initiatives. The 2015 CARIP report is available here.
To achieve Level 2 designation, the Township was also required to demonstrate familiarity with the Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI). The CEEI for the Township shows energy consumption and GHG emissions from community-wide activities in on-road transportation, buildings and solid waste. Please view the CEEI here.
For more information, please contact:
Marlene Lagoa, Community Development Coordinator
Tel: 250-414-7114