Strategic Energy Management Plan
We continue to take action to reduce emissions from our operations.
Our Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) guides our work to achieve significant emission reductions within our own municipal operations well before the broader community target of zero emissions by 2050.
This plan builds on our work to date to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from:
- District-owned buildings
- District fleet vehicles
- District operations and services
News and updates
October 2021 — New Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre
Once completed, the new Maplewood Fire and Rescue Centre is anticipated to have a 71% reduction in energy use and a 92% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the existing buildings being replaced. Learn more about the new facility.
March 2021 — 50% GHG reduction achieved at District Hall
Between 2011 and 2021, we have reduced GHG emissions by approximately 50% at District Hall and 30% in the Operations Centre, two of the largest municipal facilities in the District.
January 2020 — DNV shifts to sustainable paving
Since 2020, all contract paving projects in the District have been completed using energy-saving warm mix asphalt (WMA), which can be mixed and placed at lower temperatures than conventional asphalt. Learn how this new paving technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
July 2019 — Climate and ecological emergency declaration
District Council declared a climate and ecological emergency and directs staff to incorporate urgency climate action and ecological protection into strategic and financial planning processes.
May 2019 — New electric fleet vehicles
We replaced 19 fossil-fuel powered municipal fleet vehicles with zero emission electric vehicles and upgraded two electric fleet bicycles with newer models.
Details
Pathway to zero
We are taking numerous actions to reduce emissions from our operations and have developed comprehensive plans, including the Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP), Asset Management Plan, and the Strategic Facilities Planning Framework.
These plans establish pathways towards achieving significant corporate emission reductions well before the broader community target of zero emissions by 2050.
Corporate emissions in the District are produced primarily from the operation of our municipal buildings and our fleet vehicles.
2020 total corporate GHG emissions
The SEMP focuses initially on reducing energy and emissions from the largest municipal facilities, District Hall, the municipal Operations Centre and large community recreation centres (Karen Magnussen, Ron Andrews, Delbrook, and Parkgate).
Between 2011 and 2020, we have reduced GHG emissions by approximately 30% in the Operations Centre and by 50% at District Hall, two of the largest facilities in the District.
Annual GHG emissions
Fleet electrification
Approximately 67% of the District’s light-duty fleet is fully electric. By the end of 2022, 90% of the District’s light-duty fleet will be electric. Additional electric vehicles will be added in coming years as vehicles are replaced, and more electric options become available on the market.
Staff are currently liaising with manufacturers regarding potential opportunities to pilot specialty heavier class municipal fleet vehicles, such as garbage trucks, before more widespread availability. The District has also upgraded two electric fleet bicycles with newer models.
Documents and resources
Council documents
Other documents
Related projects
Background
Active in energy management since 2009
- 2009 — Partnered with BC Hydro to fund an Energy Manager position at District Hall
- 2010 — Partnered with FortisBC to fund an Energy Specialist position
- 2011 — Developed an energy reduction program with $3.6 million in funding
- 2012 — Installed lighting upgrades throughout the District
- 2016 — Completed major energy retrofits at Karen Magnussen and Ron Andrews CRC
- 2017 — Installed HVAC and lighting upgrades at District Hall
- 2018 — Completed retrofit to LED for street and exterior lighting/installed heat pump at Lynn Valley CRC
- 2019 — Installed direct digital control system upgrades at several DNV buildings
- 2021 — Updated Strategy Energy Management Plan to align with Community Energy and Emissions Plan
Committed to carbon neutrality
We, along with over 180 other local governments, have signed the BC Climate Action Charter. As a signatory of the charter, we were eligible for a conditional grant provided by the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) until the program was discontinued in 2021.
This grant was equivalent to one hundred percent of the carbon taxes we pay, and supported our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Reaching our climate action and environmental health goals
We're taking action in six key areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and enhance ecosystem health and biodiversity, and improve our resilience to climate change.
