General News
County launches new Corporate Climate Action Plan
December 7, 2023 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
Simcoe County Council has passed the Corporate Climate Action Plan, which commits to reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 44 per cent compared to 2021 by 2030, and Net Zero corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“The County is committed to working together to build inclusive, vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “Our new Corporate Climate Action Plan takes innovative steps forward to ensure that the County continues to lead in providing a regional approach to environment stewardship.”
In 2018, Council adopted the recommendation for the County of Simcoe to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Partners for Climate Protection Program, which consists of a five-step milestone framework. Sustainability Solutions Group was engaged to assist with Milestone 2, the Setting of an Emissions Reduction Target, and Milestone 3, the Creation of the Corporate Climate Action Plan.
To meet Federal GHG reduction targets, a Corporate Climate Action Plan was created around the Reduce-Improve-Switch-Generate framework.
Key actions in the Plan include undertaking retrofits to reduce GHG emissions and improve efficiency to reduce energy demand in existing buildings, as well as ensuring new buildings achieve high levels of energy performance and do not rely on fossil fuels for energy.
Key actions also include promoting sustainable transportation for employee commuting, greening the corporate fleet by transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and generating renewable and low-carbon energy, for example, through solar and geothermal methods.
On Nov. 14, County Council approved both the Corporate Climate Action Plan and the Emission Reduction Targets, which will be integrated into the County of Simcoe’s Strategic Plan, the County of Simcoe’s Long Term Financial Plan, and Operational Workplans as the County works towards a greener future.
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