Re: Nelsonites aim to disrupt climate change
The article was quite clear that more and more people are becoming concerned and looking for ways to take action on global warming.
We write today to add to that article by highlighting the work the City of Nelson has taken to address global warming in our own backyard. Specifically, in regards to reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption where city‐led programs have produced demonstrable results.
In 2007, council moved forward to become one of the first signatories to the BC Climate Action Charter.
The city then went on to develop the corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction plan that focuses on emissions within city operations. The corporate plan was followed by the low-carbon Path to 2040 Plan which addresses community wide GHG emissions.
Two major components of the community plan was the implementation of a district energy system that would use a renewable energy source and a home energy retrofits program.
The district energy system is in the feasibility stage of development, while the EcoSave retrofits program was launched in 2012.
The first phase of the GHG reduction plan set an emissions reduction target of 25 per cent by 2015. To date, a 20 per cent reduction has been achieved with an annual energy cost savings of over $80,000.
With these results, the city is well on track to reaching their 2015 target reduction target.
The EcoSave program achieved a greenhouse gas reduction through homeowners making energy efficient upgrades, this equates to taking 1,430 cars off of the road. This has also saved the participants over $73,000 in energy costs annually.
Over 430 homeowners registered with the program to access energy assessments, rebates and on-bill financing.
The program continues to assist homeowners with energy efficiency and is exploring a renewable energy option by way of a community solar garden. If you wish to register with EcoSave or be added to an interest list for the community solar garden, contact program coordinator, Carmen Proctor.
The city took action. It was a commitment from a wide range of individuals, council, management, and staff to make it happen. As a result, the city has been recognized as a leader within Canada on meaningful climate change action and many of the city residents enjoy this status as well.
How can people find out more about what has been done and what they can do to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of purchasing energy? Attend the Green Home and Energy show at the Prestige Lakeside Resort on October 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Along with many other energy related professionals, the program managers for the EcoSave and corporate greenhouse gas reduction programs will be in attendance and will be pleased to share with you what they know about improving energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions, and reducing energy bills.
Fiona Galbraith, GHG reduction plan manager, Nelson