For the fifth 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. The Township has been awarded Level 3 recognition “Accelerating Progress on Charter Commitments” by taking significant action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the 2016 reporting year.
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 2016 reporting year. In 2016, the Township produced 1,113 tonnes of GHG emissions with 74% of emissions coming from the operation of municipal buildings and the other 26% from the municipal fleet. Highlights include the installation of LED street lights along the Admirals Road corridor, the adoption of the green event planning guide, and the collection of 526 tonnes of residential kitchen scraps for composting.
The 2016 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 2016 CARIP grant was $31,769 and was deposited in the Township’s Sustainability Reserve Fund to be used for funding sustainability initiatives. The 2016 CARIP report is available here.
For more information, please contact:
Marlene Lagoa, Community Development Coordinator
Tel: 250-414-7114