climate action / carbon neutral progress 2015...1 | p a g e climate action / carbon neutral progress...

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CLIMATE ACTION / CARBON NEUTRAL PROGRESS

- 2015 -

CLIMATE ACTION REVENUE INCENTIVE PROGRAM (CARIP)

The Sunshine Coast Regional District has completed the 2015 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Public Report as required by the Province of BC. The CARIP reports on progress towards achieving carbon neutrality and summarizes actions taken in 2015 and proposed for 2016 to reduce corporate and community-wide energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as climate adaptation.

2015

SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL DISTRICT

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CLIMATE ACTION REVENUE INCENTIVE PROGRAM (CARIP)

Climate action is a key provincial priority, which relies on partnerships of local governments to

help reduce GHG emissions in an effort to create environmentally sustainable communities. The

Sunshine Coast Regional District

(SCRD) continues to demonstrate its

commitment to this partnership through

an array of supportive and directed

initiatives focused on fostering both

community and corporate sustainability.

This report highlights many of the

actions taken in 2015 and the actions

proposed for 2016 to address climate

change. The CARIP initiatives help the

SCRD move forward on its Strategic

Plan. Of particular relevance is the

strategic priority to Embed

Environmental Leadership; however, the

CARIP initiatives also move the

priorities to Facilitate Community

Development and Support Sustainable

Economic Development.

The CARIP initiatives also help facilitate

seven of 13 strategic directions listed in the “We Envision” Regional Sustainability Plan as

shown below:

CARIP Initiatives We Envision Strategic Directions

Broad Planning Land Use

Buildings & Lighting Climate & Energy

Energy Generation Climate & Energy

Greenspaces & Natural Resource Protection Natural Spaces, Parks & Recreation

Solid Waste Zero Waste

Transportation Transportation

Water & Wastewater Water Stewardship

Climate Change Adaptation Climate & Energy

Innovation Learning & Leading

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Reporting Emissions Did you measure your local government's corporate GHG emissions in 2015? Yes

If your local government measured 2015 corporate GHG emissions, please report the number of corporate GHG emissions (in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) from services delivered directly by your local government:

827

If your local government measured 2015 corporate GHG emissions, please report the number of corporate GHG emissions (in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) from contracted services:

118

TOTAL A: CORPORATE GHG EMISSIONS FOR 2015 945 tCO2e

Emissions Monthly Breakdown

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Reporting Reductions and Offsets To be carbon neutral, a local government must balance their TOTAL corporate GHG emissions

by one or a combination of the following actions:

undertake Option 1 Projects (GCC-supported)

undertake Option 2 Projects (alternative) community GHG emissions reduction projects

that meet project eligibility requirements

purchase carbon offsets from a credible offset provider

The SCRD did not undertake Option 1 or Option 2 projects nor did it purchase carbon

offsets.

Corporate GHG Emissions Balance for 2015

Local government Corporate GHG Emissions Balance is the difference between total corporate

GHG emissions (direct + contracted emissions) and the GHG emissions reduced through GCC

Option 1 and Option 2 projects and/or the purchase of offsets.

CORPORATE GHG EMISSIONS BALANCE FOR 2015 = 971tCO2e

Green Communities Committee (GCC) Climate Action Recognition

Program The joint Provincial-UBCM Green Communities Committee (GCC) is pleased to be continuing

the Climate Action Recognition Program again this year. This multi-level program provides the

GCC with an opportunity to review and publicly recognize the progress and achievements of

each Climate Action Charter (Charter) signatory. Recognition is provided on an annual basis to

local governments who demonstrate progress on their Charter commitments, according to the

following:

Level 1 - Progress on Charter Commitments: for local governments who demonstrate

progress on fulfilling one or more of their Charter commitments

Level 2 - Measurement: for local governments who have measured their Corporate

GHG Emissions for the reporting year and demonstrate that they are familiar with the

Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI).

Level 3 - Achievement of Carbon Neutrality: for local governments who achieve

carbon neutrality in the reporting year.

Based on your local government's 2014 CARIP Public Report, please check the GCC

Climate Action Recognition Program level that best applies:

Level 1 - Progress on Charter Commitments X

Level 2 - Measurement

Level 3 - Achievement of Carbon Neutrality

Not Sure

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Broad Planning Actions

Broad planning refers to high level planning that sets the stage for GHG emissions reductions,

including plans such as Official Community Plans, Integrated Community Sustainability Plans,

Climate Action Plans or Community Energy Emissions Plans. Land use planning that focuses

on Smart Growth principles (compact, complete, connected, centred) plays an especially

important role in energy and GHG reduction.

Community-Wide Actions Taken in 2015

Halfmoon Bay OCP Updated to introduce the new DPA for ocean hazard/sea level rise

20+ local organizations commit to send a senior staff person to quarterly meetings of the Sustainability Roundtable so that implementation is leveraged collaboratively

Sustainable land use principles were developed between senior planners of all Sunshine Coast local governments

SCRD provides staffing/leadership/ facilitation for Sustainability Roundtable (implementation team for Integrated Community Sustainability Plan).

Community-Wide Actions Proposed for 2016

Consultation and adoption of the sustainable land use principles by Sunshine Coast local governments and the development of a checklist to operationalise the principles.

Sustainability round table reports on implementation of 2016 actions and prioritizes actions for 2017 as well as adopts regional sustainability indicators

Update Four OCPs to introduce the new DPA for ocean hazard/sea level rise (Pender Harbour, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, and West Howe Sound)

SCRD continues to provide staffing/leadership/ facilitation for Sustainability Roundtable (implementation team for Integrated Community Sustainability Plan).

OCPs promote density nodes and community hubs

Corporate Actions Taken in 2015

2015-2018 Strategic Plan incorporates Embedding Environmental Leadership

Strategic Energy Management Plan updated and adopt for 2016

Corporate Actions Proposed for 2016

Move forward with next stages of Asset Management Plan

Update and adopt Strategic Energy Management Plan for 2017

Snapshot Questions

Are GHG reduction targets are included in your local government’s Official Community Plan or Regional Growth Strategy?

Yes

Are you familiar with the Community Energy and Emission Inventory (CEEI)? Yes

Does your local government use the Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI) to measure progress?

Yes

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Which of the following does your local government use to guide climate action implementation?

Community Energy and Emissions (CEE) Plan

Climate Action Plan

Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

Official Community Plan (OCP)

Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)

Other:

Yes No Yes Yes No

Does your local government have a climate action reserve fund? No

Does your local government have a Corporate Climate Action Plan? Yes

Building and Lighting Actions

Low-carbon buildings use the minimum amount of energy needed to provide comfort and safety

for their inhabitants and tap into renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and power.

These buildings can save money, especially when calculated over the long term. This category

also includes reductions realized from energy efficient street lights and lights in parks or other

public spaces.




Continued to strengthen Conserve! Reduce Energy Waste (CREW) Committee with campaigns to gather ideas and raise awareness.

Gibsons Pool lighting retrofit (51,500kWh savings)

Gibsons Pool boiler upgrade (604,700 ekWh savings)

Cliff Gilker lighting retrofit (3,300kWWh savings)

Field Rd data storage replacement (45,500 kWh savings)

Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Center mechanical optimization (37,500kWh savings)

Sechelt Aquatic Centre potlights replaced

Frank West Hall lighting replaced

Energy Management workshop held with building operators from multiple departments

Water system pumps optimization study completed

Number of printers reduced and replaced with energy efficient printers

Walkthrough audits of community halls completed


Develop program to reinvest energy savings into future savings.

Continued implementation of Strategic Energy Management Plan with projects including: Water system pumps replacement and optimization, Gibsons & Area Community Centre lighting & HVAC & ice slab & Zamboni room heater & controls & VFC Brine pump upgrades, Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Center lighting retrofit,

Continued strengthening of CREW

Building performance reports shared with managers and operators and departmental

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meetings held to discuss energy trends and opportunities.

Granthams Hall revitalization project

Coopers Green new Hall design consultation and fundraising

Energy Generation A transition to renewable or low-emission energy sources for heating, cooling and power

supports large, long-term GHG emissions reductions. Renewable energy including waste heat

recovery (e.g. from biogas and biomass), geo-exchange, micro hydroelectric, solar thermal and

solar photovoltaic, heat pumps, tidal, wave, and wind energy can be implemented at different

scales, e.g. in individual homes, or integrated across neighbourhoods through district energy or

co-generation systems.


Supported local groups with solar initiatives

Rezoned and supported Narrows Inlet and Box Canyon hydro projects.


Continued support of local groups for greater renewable energy generation


Additional Photo-voltaic panels at Landfill to increase capacity for weigh scale and office.

System design and project scope developed for solar PV at Dakota Ridge Amenity Building

Hydro-power generation station at Selma 1 Pressure Reducing Valve designed


Study potential for solar thermal and electric at Pender Harbour Aquatic and Fitness Center, Sechelt Aquatic Centre, Gibsons & Area Community Centre

Find funding to implement solar PV at Dakota Ridge Recreational area and hydro generation at Selma 1 water supply.

Snapshot Questions

Is your local government developing, or constructing a district energy project? No

Is your local government operating a district energy system? No

Is your local government developing or constructing a renewable energy project? Yes

Is your local government operating a renewable energy project? Yes

Are you aware of the Integrated Resource Recovery guidance page on the BC Climate Action Toolkit (insert link here)?

Yes

Greenspace & Natural Resource Protection Greenspace/Natural Resource Protection refers to the creation of parks and greenways,

boulevards, community forests, urban agriculture, riparian areas, gardens, recreation/school

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sites, and other green spaces, such as remediated brownfield/contaminated sites as well as the

protection of wetlands, waterways and other naturally occurring features.


Continued liaison with Sunshine Coast Trail Strategy committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Dakota Ridge Advisory Committee

Continued consultation with Gambier and Keats Island Community Associations for park and trail development

Invasive species policy revised and adopted and includes collaborative work with other governments and community organizations

New park on Gambier island in collaboration with Sea Ranch

Lily Lake bikeway and parkway developed


Invasive species management work on Knotweed

Continued liaison with Sunshine Coast Trail Strategy committee

Continued consultation with Gambier and Keats Island Community Associations for park and trail development

New off-leash dog park

Pre-planning for Suncoaster trail to complete the segment between Halfmoon Bay and Area D

Shirley Macey volleyball field completed and open


Active Communities Committee work to encourage active living and transportation

Improved signage and marketing for use of parks, trails, and beach access

Reconstruction of Sprockids Bike Park skills area with Capilano University mountain bike program

Improved park amenities at Roberts Creek Park

Management plan for Coopers Green Park


Improved signage and marketing for use of parks, trails, and beach access continued

Chaster park expansion to protect sensitive ecosystem

Snapshot Question

Does your local government have urban forest policies, plans or programs? No

Solid Waste Reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering and managing the disposal of the residual solid waste

minimizes environmental impacts and supports sustainable environmental management,

greenhouse gas reductions, and improved air and water quality.


Pender Harbour Landfill was closed and transitioned to a transfer station

Creation of Waste Reduction Initiatives Grant Program

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Education with community on results of waste composition study of garbage dropped off at landfill

Mattress recycling implemented

Backroads Trash Bash event continued

Zero Waste Holiday outreach campaign

Waste information booth participated in community events and festivals

Outreach for Compost Awareness Week


Organic waste management strategy developed

Backroads Trash Bash event continued

Zero Waste Holiday outreach campaign

Waste information booth participated in community events and festivals

Outreach for Compost Awareness Week


Expanded on-site composters for staff food waste

Started book library


Develop and place ‘print-less’ posters at printers

Snapshot Questions

Does your local government have construction and demolition waste reduction policies, plans or programs?

Yes

Does your local government have organics reduction/diversion policies, plans or programs?

No

Transportation Transportation actions that increase transportation system efficiency, emphasize the movement

of people and goods, and give priority to more efficient modes, e.g. walking, cycling,

ridesharing, and public transit, can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and

more livable communities.

Community -Wide Actions Taken in 2015

Sechelt, Gibsons and SCRD expand bike lanes

Supported Coast Car Coop in expansion to Sechelt. Coast Car Coop now has 5 vehicles covering Gibsons, Roberts Creek, and Sechelt

Share-there ride sharing platform has launched

TRAC hosts Bike To Work Week events / campaign

TRAC hosts bike lane clean ups

Sunshine Coast Tourism implements Car Free Tourism campaign

Continued planning and construction on bikeway / walkways in all electoral areas

Increased awareness of handyDART service

Continued support and liaison with Sea to Sky Marine Trail


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Coastal Bike Route consultations will be held to finalize route, design, maps, and app

Increased bus transit frequency as per Transit Future Plan

Prioritizing short term actions of Integrated Transportation Study


Three older diesel vehicles were retired and replaced with more efficient vehicles


Fleet review with option of moving to shared fleet and right sizing vehicles

Reinforce anti-idling policy

Snapshot Questions

Does your local government have policies, plans or programs to support:

Walking

Cycling

Transit Use

Electric Vehicle Use

Other

Yes Yes Yes Yes No

Does your local government have a transportation demand management (TDM) strategy (e.g. to reduce single-vehicle occupancy trips, increase travel options, provide incentives to encourage individuals to modify travel behavior)?

No

Does your local government have policies, plans or programs to support local food production (thus reducing transportation emissions)?

Yes

Water and Wastewater Managing and reducing water consumption and wastewater is an important aspect of

developing a sustainable built environment that supports healthy communities, protects

ecological integrity, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.


Updated drought management plan

Completed Agricultural Water Use Study

Water booth participated in many events and festivals to raise awareness of conservation

“Pledge to reduce your use” campaign with businesses

Consumption targets set during drought and use communicated daily

Snow pack survey / analysis restarted


Water meters installed in rural Electoral Areas with outreach and education

Targeted water conservation outreach to irrigation system technicians, landscapers and system owners

Chapman Drinking Water Treatment Plant tours

Begin data collection and leak identification from Pender Harbour meters

Snow pack survey / analysis continued

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Roberts Creek Co Housing Wastewater plant pipe/blower modification for energy savings

Funding applied for to replace Square Bay wastewater treatment plant


Implement recommendations from pumping optimization study

New weather station for Chapman watershed

Snapshot Questions

Does your local government have water conservation policies, plans or programs? Yes

Climate Change Adaptation For local governments, adaptation to a changing climate can take the form of changes in policy,

management, technology and behaviour that minimize negative impacts or exploit opportunities.

It can involve both “hard” and “soft” solutions, including: changes in infrastructure engineering,

planning, zoning, bylaws, and public education.


Water supply projects timeline moved forward to increase resilience to drought


Hazard Risk Vulnerability Analysis framework updated to include climate risks, specifically sea level rise

Continued work on updating OCPs and water supply

Snapshot Questions

Are you aware of the Plan2Adapt guidance page on the BC Climate Action Toolkit?

Yes

Are you aware of the Preparing for Climate Change, An Implementation Guide for Local Governments in BC on the BC Climate Action Toolkit?

Yes

Have you visited the climate change adaptation guidance page on the BC Climate Action Toolkit?

Yes

Innovation This section provides the opportunity to showcase an innovative Corporate and/or Community-

Wide reduction or adaptation activity that your local government has undertaken and that has

had a significant impact or has the potential to have a significant impact. Projects included here

may be featured as success stories on the B.C. Climate Action Toolkit and/or shared with other

local governments to inspire further climate action. Please add links to additional information

where possible.

Community-Wide Innovative Action

http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/Resource/Plan2Adapt

http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/Resource/Preparing-Climate-Change-Implementation-Guide-Local-Governments-British-Columbia

http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/adaptation-challenges-and-opportunities

http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/adaptation-challenges-and-opportunities

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Corporate Innovative Action

Programs, Partnerships and Funding Opportunities Local governments often rely on programs, partnerships and funding opportunities to achieve

their climate action goals. Please share the names of programs and organizations that have

supported your local government’s climate actions by listing each entry in the appropriate box

below.

Programs and Funding

The SCRD will continue to access CARIP Funds, BC Hydro Incentives, Fortis Rebates, Gas Tax (Innovations Fund) as well as other Provincial and Federal grants.

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