Green Operations Plan

These four high-priority actions for City operations will help us reach our Greenest City targets:

  • Plan and implement a comprehensive corporate waste reduction and diversion program for all City facilities
  • Develop a procurement policy and practice that supports the purchase and use of local food in City-run facilities
  • Look for opportunities to green community events that the City runs, sponsors, and permits
  • Plan and implement a program to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in City-run buildings and vehicles

These actions will bring us many steps closer to zero carbon, zero waste, and healthy ecosystems.

Green City facilities

Upgrades to City of Vancouver facilities have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over 1990 levels.

Green fleets

Council has implemented an extensive program to reduce the environmental impact caused by the CIty's vehicles and heavy equipment.

Sustainable commuting for staff

The sustainable commuting program offers incentives to City employees to encourage them to come to City Hall each day by walking, biking, or car pooling, all funded through charging employees for parking.

Waste diversion

The City hired its first Corporate Zero Waste Officer in 2012 to implement a more comprehensive waste diversion program in most City facilities, including organics collection.

Sustainable purchasing

The City is the first Canadian municipality to adopt a 100% post-consumer-recycled copy paper purchasing policy and is incorporating sustainable considerations into requests for supplies and services.

Sign up for our Greenest City and Climate Emergency newsletter

Vancouver declared a climate emergency and now we’re creating a plan to accelerate climate action. Join our mailing list to learn more and get involved.

View past newsletters:
June 2026May 2026April 2026 

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies

City of Vancouver virtual assistant
Tell us how you found your conversation today