Climate Change

Climate change is an international environmental and economic issue. A key area of concern is the greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity, such as the use of non-renewable sources of energy such as gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas.

Coal power generation and methane from landfill waste are other sources of greenhouse gases.

Most sources are also linked to concerns about smog and air pollution and to the need for energy security to ensure we will continue to have reliable clean energy sources. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps conserve our energy supply, improves air quality and reduces their effect on climate change and ecosystems.

Our Response

The Region of Waterloo will create a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and action plan for our operations and at the community level. With local partners we will develop a community GHG action plan to reduce our impact on climate change.

This commitment is part of the Federal Partners for Climate Protection program where more than 200 Canadian municipalities participate. It is also part of the local Sustainable Waterloo Regional Carbon Initiative which has more than 30 members in the region. Both programs focus on meeting targets for greenhouse gas reduction that were set by each participating community or organization.

How we're doing

Over the past several years, the Region of Waterloo has prevented thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency of our buildings and traffic signals, using renewable energy, greening our fleet of vehicles and capturing emissions from landfill gas to use as an energy source.

In May 2011, the Region completed its corporate GHG Inventory and Action Plan for its operations. The plan identifies the need to reduce over 40,000 tonnes annually by the year 2019. We will do this while balancing economic costs with environment protection and community needs as we seek to sustain our quality of life.

The real challenge lies in finding more emission reduction opportunities. As our population grows it requires increased municipal services such as water supply and wastewater treatment, waste collection, transit, police and ambulance.

For more information on the Region's Corporate GHG plan please contact:

David Roewade
Sustainability Office
Region of Waterloo, Corporate Resources
Phone: (519) 575-4757 Ext. 3308

The Climate Collaborative: A Community Greenhouse Gas Action Plan in Waterloo Region

Reducing our community's carbon footprint

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo is proud to be a part of The Climate Collaborative. This new initiative develops a community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and reduction plan for the geographical boundary of Waterloo Region.

We are working with two local non-profit organizations--REEP Green Solutions and Sustainable Waterloo--on the research and development of this project. Much background research has been completed since 2009 and now the project focuses on developing relationships with other local partners to complete the emissions inventory and develop a local action plan. Collaboratively we will create a GHG inventory, action plan and reduction target for Waterloo Region as a community.

Recently, The Climate Collaborative received preliminary funding to develop the inventory of local GHG emissions and 10 year forecasts as well as develop the action planning process.

Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved!

Watch for opportunities for organizations, community groups and citizens to participate as the project develops over the years 2011 to 2013.

For mor information about the Community Climate Collaborative please contact:

Sarah Brown
Project Manager
The Climate Collaborative: A Community GHG ACtion Plan in Waterloo Region
Phone: (519) 744-6583 Ext. 227