Canadian Communities Reducing Green House Gas Emissions

Written by Contributor

Canadian Communities Reducing Green House Gas Emissions - Around the world, and here in Canada more and more communities are learning that there are opportunities that make both economic and environmental sense. They’re finding out energy conservation and energy efficiency save money and create new industries and jobs. Municipalities across Canada are reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a wide range of projects. Local governments say they can achieve one quarter of Canada's Kyoto target while creating jobs and strengthening the health of our communities.  Here are communities that are doing it...

Halifax: A city-wide composting program now prevents organic matter from reaching landfills. This has cut methane production by the equivalent of over half a million tons of carbon dioxide per year, compared to 1995.

Calgary: Achieving its target of six per cent below 1990 levels ahead of schedule and at 50 per cent projected costs, with substantial energy bill savings and employment created. Through the "Ride the Wind" initiative, the light rail system is powered by wind-generated electricity.

Edmonton: Target - to reduce emissions by six per cent below 1990 levels by 2010, and 20 per cent by 2020. Has already reduced emissions through one landfill waste-to-energy project by 174,949 tonnes.

Regina: Reduced emissions from internal operations nine per cent, or 10,000 tonnes annually, from 1988 levels. Energy retrofits will reduce emissions another four per cent and save $400,000 annually.

Sudbury: Will reduce emissions by 21,000-51,000 tonnes per year with a co-generation and district energy system. Retrofit programs aim to reduce energy consumption 30 per cent and save more than $800,000 annually.

St. John's: Retrofits to municipal buildings are expected to deliver annual energy savings of $600,000, improve workplace lighting and comfort levels, and reduce maintenance costs.

Toronto: Reduced emissions by 67 per cent below 1990 levels, exceeding the city's goal threefold, generating thousands of jobs and reducing costs for many operations. Success was achieved through landfill waste-to-energy programs, energy efficiency building retrofits, streetlight changes, and more efficient vehicle fleets.

Vancouver: The City of Vancouver has traffic signals at 670 intersections throughoutthe city, all of which used incandescent light bulbs. Annual electricity costs to power the lights totaled $322,500 and because incandescent lights have a short life span, they had to be replaced frequently, resulting in high maintenance costs. The city converted the lights to light-emitting diode (LED) lights, which use 80 to 90 per cent less electricity than incandescents and last six to 10 times longer. Doing this will save Vancouver taxpayers $247,500 per year in energy costs alone, plus an additional $110,000 per year in maintenance costs.

Take David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge and learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org.