Federal grant to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Clarington buildings

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions in municipal buildings in half in ten years and by 80 per cent over the next two decades is the goal behind a climate change feasibility study underway in Clarington.

The study, which will find ways to reduce emissions in town buildings and help the municipality respond to and mitigate the effects of climate change, is being funded through a $166,080 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund.

Clarington will use the money to study greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures it can implement in its municipal facilities, such as upgrading all lighting in municipal buildings to energy efficient LEDs or implementing HVAC improvements.

“In Clarington, we are taking action to protect our quality of life from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “Thank you to FCM for supporting our commitment to reducing our municipal greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing our environmental impact. It will make a difference for our community’s future.”

The effects of climate change are already being felt by communities across Durham Region and Ontario, with climate modelling projections showing these impacts will become more intense and severe over the coming decades.

Through its Corporate Climate Action Plan, Clarington has outlined 115 actions to respond to the causes and impacts of climate change, with a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Investing in climate mitigation and adaptation at the local level reduces long-term costs and builds a safer and more resilient future for residents of municipalities like Clarington,” said federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault. “With smart investments and effective planning, our communities are better prepared for the current climate change crisis and for climate changes to come.”

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said energy efficiency also means cost savings for Canadians. “At a time when we are facing challenges with affordability and climate change, this partnership with the Municipality of Clarington supports a long-term approach to energy-efficient improvements that make it more affordable to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Green Municipal Fund provides funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000 it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded more than 13,000 person-years of employment, supported 30,000-plus sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP from more than 2,300 approved projects.

“Communities, big or small, are key to climate action. Public buildings like arenas and community centres are major contributors to municipal greenhouse gas emissions,” said FCM President Geoff Stewart. “The Green Municipal Fund is helping municipalities like Clarington become net-zero communities.”