Capital Region Community Energy Plan

This project is a major regional initiative, expanding on the significant success of GMEF 3735. The study’s goal is to fulfill milestone obligations in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program for the region as a whole and for identified municipalities. The primary deliverable is a comprehensive and practical Community Energy Plan, which maps out a proposed future energy strategy for the region embodying the principles of sustainability and strategically linked to the region’s core goals and values. A central theme of the plan is to focus on lowering fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita, through energy efficiency and development of renewable energy. Phase 1 will develop an energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission inventory. Based on the results of this inventory, Phase 2 will evaluate appropriate energy options and determine potential reduction targets. Phase 3 will establish the regional and local action plans to manage energy effectively and to reduce GHG emissions. As the Community Energy Plan is implemented, the goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 20 per cent and reduce energy consumption by 10 per cent compared to1998 numbers. The project includes broad-based involvement of member municipal governments, the private sector, the civil sector, the academic community and the Capital Regional District community at large.