T2050- En route vers la carboneutralité de la MRC de Maskinongé

The CFDC of the Maskinongé RCM is currently working with various partners on a major project to reduce local GHG emissions titled “En route vers la carboneutralité de la MRC de Maskinongé” [Toward Net-Zero Emissions in the Maskinongé RCM]. As part of this project, seven municipalities (out of seventeen in the RCM) are engaged in the fight against climate change through a committee headed by the CFDC. Of these seven municipalities, five are currently enrolled in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. We hope to gradually bring the other twelve municipalities of the Maskinongé RCM on board. Our approach is to educate and engage municipalities when they are ready to act. Their commitment is formalized when they join the PCP and decide to implement an action plan with the common goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The CFDC is in charge of facilitating and coordinating committee activities in addition to providing personalized assistance to municipalities. Individual and collective measurable goals may be set in line with the goals of the Maskinongé RCM’s strategic development plan and in connection with the current revision process of the RCM’s land-use plan. The CFDC also oversees other agricultural, SME, and citizen committees aiming to achieve net-zero emissions through municipal facilitation.Committee members engage on a variety of topics at monthly meetings. We plan to conduct strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses for each municipality as well as peer-to-peer learning (co-development). In addition to support from the CFDC, experts will provide guidance and advice to the committee. Olivier Riffon, professor in eco consulting at UQAC, will provide his expertise at the committee’s meetings. We also aim to gain support from the Matière brute team, which is tasked with facilitating behavioural change. We will also seek the support of other experts as the projects take shape. Finally, the following actions will be implemented as part of the project to make it possible to take action as well as reduce and offset emissions:—Formalize the municipalities’ commitment through a memorandum of understanding and their participation in the PCP program—Communicate the GHG emissions report (completed for all 17 municipalities in the RCM)—Develop and implement a measurable GHG reduction action plan adapted to each municipality—Support the municipalities in implementing their action plan—Build on municipal GHG reduction projects elsewhere in Quebec (e.g. Nicolet, Plessisville)—Offer training related to GHG reduction—Shoot and broadcast a reality tv show featuring a municipality, an SME, a farm, and a citizen working toward net-zero emissions—Provide scholarships to the Carbone Scol’ERE program for 15 primary school classes—Promote GHG offsetting of municipal events and activities—Conduct a study regarding carbon capture potential and optimization in the territory’s forests and promote sustainable development—Raise community awareness through video and radio clips featuring our municipalities in action—Organize a carbon-neutral day in the Maskinongé RCM—Organize a co-creation forum to develop net-zero projects for municipalities in the Maskinongé RCM—Share the project with members of the CFDC network across Canada—Assess and measure GHG reduction impacts and share the results of these municipalities’ efforts in order to mobilize other municipalities