Greenest City

Girl cartwheeling

Becoming the Greenest City

Vancouver is situated in an exceptional natural environment and is often cited as one of the best cities in the world to live, work, visit or invest in. We also have one of the smallest carbon footprints of any major city in North America and we’re a leader in green building, planning and technology.

In February 2009, Mayor Gregor Robertson launched the Greenest City initiative, with a goal to map out how we can earn that title by 2020. A Greenest City Quick Start report was published in the spring, and on October 20, the Mayor introduced the Action Plan at the Resilient Cities Gaining Ground conference in Vancouver. The report also linked the initiative to the recently introduced Vancouver Green Capital business strategy.

Find out how we plan on earning the title of becoming the greenest city on earth by 2020: Read Vancouver 2020: A Bright Green Future PDF (568kb)

Read the Greenest City Quick Start Recommendations PDF (6 mb)


Vancouver Green Capital

Vancouver on track to meet Kyoto targets

Vancouver's greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced back to 1990 levels.

View brochure (PDF 916 kb)

Read inventory summary (PDF 4 mb)

Closer to Greenest City goal

During a Greenest City Action Team (GCAT) update on September 22, 2009, Council heard that two-thirds of 44 Quick Start actions to address environmental sustainability were already underway, with more to follow.

View presentation (PDF 448 kb)

Greenest City services

Vancouver is one of the leading cities in North America acting to address climate change. Find out more about our green programs, City services, initiatives and tips.