Greenest City news

March 2023

 

IN THIS ISSUE

  • Find home renovation supports through the Home Energy Navigator Program
  • Check out rebate options for climate-friendly transportation
  • Learn about the 2022 St George Rainway Bioblitz
  • Access free support to report energy and carbon in large multi-family buildings

NOTEWORTHY: Are you interested in providing input on a variety of food programs and policy development in Vancouver? The City is now accepting applications from the public to join the Vancouver Food Policy Council for the 2023-2026 term. Applications are open until March 19, check the eligibility and apply.


Greenest City news

HOME ENERGY NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

Are you a homeowner looking for help and advice to make your home more comfortable and resilient in hotter weather, and to reduce your carbon pollution by switching to renewable energy?
 
The Home Energy Navigator Program (formerly called Bring It Home for Climate) is a free program available for Vancouver homeowners to help make informed, cost effective and climate-wise decisions for home energy upgrades of any size. The recently rebranded program offers the following services:

  • Free virtual home energy check-ups for single family homes, small co-ops and stratas in Vancouver
  • Clarity about the many rebates and grants available to help you make the switch from fossil fuel heating and hot water equipment to an energy efficient electric heat pump
  • A personalized retrofit roadmap for your home with advice on comparing quotes, selecting contractors and more

The program’s goal is to help reduce carbon pollution from homes and buildings. Nearly 60% of the carbon pollution in Vancouver comes from burning natural gas, a fossil fuel, for space and water heating.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Register with the Home Energy Navigator Program to connect with an Energy Concierge who can discuss your project in a free virtual consultation and advise on next steps in your retrofit journey.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY


Greenest City news

SCRAP-IT REBATES FOR E-BIKES AND TRANSIT

Have you been thinking about trading your car in for a more climate-friendly way of getting around?
 
The SCRAP-IT Program provides BC residents with a free transit pass or a rebate to help you purchase an e-bike when you scrap a qualifying vehicle. Incentives include:

  • $750 towards a new e-bike
  • An unlimited 8-month adult transit pass
  • A 16-month stored value transit pass (a value of $50 per month)
Nearly 40% of Vancouver’s carbon pollution comes from burning gasoline and diesel, both fossil fuels, in our vehicles. Through our Climate Emergency Action Plan, we’re aiming for 2/3 of trips in Vancouver to be by active transportation and transit, and this program supports that goal.
 
YOUR TURN

Learn more about the rebates available if you make the switch.
 
Find out about the resources and programs Vancouver has to help make it easier for you to get around by active transportation and transit.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Greenest City news

RESULTS FROM THE 2022 ST GEORGE RAINWAY BIOBLITZ

What do cooper’s hawks, lady beetles, western bumble bees and spotted towhee’s all have in common? They are all residents of St. George St. between E. 5th Avenue and Broadway, home to the future St. George Rainway, which began construction this past February. The Rainway will re-design the street into a blue-green system that manages rainwater while also creating a connected biodiversity corridor. In 2022, City staff worked together with a group of citizen scientists to help understand the current conditions along St. George Rainway.
 
Using iNaturalist to collect data, 164 unique species, including several indicator bird and bee species, beneficial insects, invasive species and one species of special concern were identified. By understanding what currently uses the space, we have been able to make design recommendations, like creating micro-habitat features to support a wide variety of biodiversity that will provide food, water and shelter for creatures big and small. 
 
YOUR TURN
 
Learn more by reading the St George Rainway bioblitz report back and become a citizen scientist yourself by joining the iNaturalist community!
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY


Greenest City news

FREE CARBON REPORTING FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

In Vancouver, nearly 60% of our carbon pollution comes from burning natural gas, a fossil fuel, to heat our buildings and hot water – and we’re working to change this. In May 2022, Council approved regulations to reduce carbon pollution in existing large commercial and multi-family buildings, which accounts for half of our total building-related carbon pollution. Starting in January 2025, large multi-family buildings greater than or equal to 9,290 m2 (100,000 ft2will be required to report their annual energy use.
 
To support this new requirement, the City is offering free consulting services to support energy and carbon benchmarking and reporting for 100 multi-family buildings in Vancouver. The data gathered will expand the City’s understanding of Vancouver’s large buildings, help identify opportunities for energy and carbon use improvements, connect building owners with customized support and resources and support the development of future policies informed by accurate building energy details.
 
This work supports our Climate Emergency Action Plan and can help building owners and managers understand what they can do to increase energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, increase building comfort and support climate goals to reduce carbon pollution.
 
YOUR TURN
 
Multi-family building strata members, owners and managers interested in receiving free consultant support to benchmark their data can check their eligibility and apply to participate in this program.
 
SUPPORTING: CLIMATE EMERGENCY


Local green opportunities

When attending in-person events please follow COVID-19 health & safety precautions.

Night Quest
March 17
Wander down forest trails decorated with glowing animal lanterns and meet friendly forest creature who will delight you with nature tails.
Pacific Spirit Park
 
EcoStewards
March 18 & April 1
Join Stanley Park Ecology Society and other volunteers to help manage the invasive species in Stanley Park.
Stanley Park
 
Wonders of the Salish Sea
March 27, April 3, 17 & 24
Awaken your sense of wonder and foster a deep connection in the Salish Sea ecosystem through this 4-session environmental education program.
Online

Farmer’s Markets
Saturdays and Sundays
Riley Park winter market is open until March 25 and Hastings Park is open until April 30. Visit the website to plan your visit and learn about the market’s farmers, food producers and creators. 
Riley Park & Hastings Park


Volunteering with the Bicycle Valet
Ongoing
The Bicycle Valet’s volunteer team provides informative resources and valet-style parking at events in and around Vancouver. Join the team to support Vancouver’s cycling community and get free entrance to events.
In person events, sign up online


Streetwise Cycling Online
Any time
New to cycling? This free educational series from HUB helps adult beginner riders gain knowledge and skills to start their cycling journey at their own pace with confidence. 
Online


SPEC Team Meetings
Various
Want to connect with other like-minded individuals and share your knowledge on energy and transportation, food growing, or waste? Check the link for Society Promoting Environmental Conservation meet-up topics and meeting dates. 
Online

Volunteer as a Zero Waste Fixer
Anytime
Do you have a knack for fixing electronics or repairing worn out clothes? Become a volunteer fixer at the City-sponsored Repair Cafe events to help participants fix their belongings. Learn more by contacting repaircafe@spec.bc.ca.
Various

Connect and learn more

 Renewable City Strategy  

    

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