Climate ProtectionGHG per capita

Vancouver is proof that cities can be vibrant, growing and prosperous while also taking meaningful action on climate change. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have already been reduced to 1990 levels and Vancouver is on track to meeting the Kyoto target (6% below 1990 levels by 2012). At the same time population has grown by 27% and jobs by 18%.

Vancouver has the lowest per capita emissions of any major city in North America at 4.6 tonnes per person.

Download the Climate Leadership 2009 brochure.2007 Climate Protection Progress Report

Read the full 2008 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Summary and Methodologies 2007 Climate Protection Progress Report

Climate Protection Targets

Vancouver has set a number of climate protection targets*:

  • 2010 - Reduce municipal operations emissions by 20% (achieved)
  • 2012 - Carbon neutral operations
  • 2012 - Reduce community emissions by 6% (on track to achieving)
  • 2020 - Reduce community emissions by 33%
  • 2020 - All new buildings are carbon neutral
  • 2050 - Reduce community emissions by 80%

*all reductions from 1990 levels.

How Are We Doing?

Community-wide Emissions

Community Emissions

Vancouver's community emissions are declining. We have more efficient buildings and have created compact communities that put people close to work and play. Cycling, walking and transit use are increasing while the number of vehicles entering Vancouver, commute times and gasoline sales are declining.

 

 

 

 

Community Emissions Graph

 

Emissions from Municipal Operations

Corporate Emissions GraphEmissions from municipal operations are now 33% below 1990 levels. The most significant reductions have come from the Vancouver Landfill where we capture methane gas and use it to generate enough electricity for 7,000 homes. In our municipal facilities building emissions will be reduced by 22% by 2010, even though our building floor space has increased by 24%.

 

 

United Nations Climate Neutral Network

CN Net LogoIn recognition of our leadership towards climate protection, Vancouver has been invited as one of the four original member cities of the UN's Climate Neutral Network.

 

 

 

Climate Protection Background - Cool Vancouver Task Force

Clouds over VancouverIn 2003 Council asked for advice from a diverse group of people who were experts on climate change. The group formed the Cool Vancouver Taskforce, bringing together a wide range of stakeholder groups in Vancouver and the region including; educators, builders, environmentalists, corporate leaders and government. Based on recommendations of the Cool Vancouver Taskforce the City created the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan (for emissions from municipal operations) and the Community Climate Change Action Plan (for community-wide emissions).

 

 

Community Climate Change Action Plan Summary

Target: 6% below 1990 levels by 2012

Approved by Council: March 2005

Priority areas:

  1. Home renovations for energy efficiency
  2. Energy efficient retrofits for institutional facilities
  3. Energy efficient retrofits for large commercial buildings
  4. Low carbon vehicle options such as bio-diesel fuel blends
  5. Green energy and sustainable dense development
  6. Active and public transportation
  7. Encouraging residents to reduce individual energy use

Community Plan and Council report

Corporate Climate Change Action Plan Summary (Municipal Operations)

Target: 20% below 1990 levels by 2010

Approved by Council: December 2003

Priority areas:

  1. Energy efficient retrofits for facilities
  2. Green design for new and replacement civic buildings
  3. Efficient driver training and anti-idling
  4. Fuel-efficient fleets and fleet management
  5. Energy efficient street/park lighting and traffic control signals
  6. Corporate waste reduction and landfill gas utilization

Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and Council report

 

Other Resources: