Banff Renewable Energy Transition Plan

The Town of Banff (pop. 7851) will be reinvigorating its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transition away from fossil fuels with the development of a new Renewable Energy Transition Plan (RETP) that will define a path to a 30% reduction in community GHG emissions by 2030. The Town will also explore pathways to achieve a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. The planning process will identify projects and policies for achieving these goals, and prioritize them based on GHG reduction potential, ease of implementation, and their ability to inspire further action. Extensive stakeholder consultation, as part of and in addition to the parallel Environmental Master Plan, will help build community support for these initiatives. The RETP will be developed using proven planning methods from Banff’s extensive planning portfolio, and will use the PCP Milestone Framework to sustain and monitor its long-term progress. Banff’s experienced administration, progressive Town Council, and environmentally conscious stakeholder community will drive the RETP’s implementation.Transitioning to renewable energy not only helps Banff fulfill its climate obligations, but will ensure the availability of clean air, clean water, and affordable energy for its residents and visitors. Leadership in these areas is crucial for Banff’s economy, which is dependent on nature tourism. A low-carbon future will help mitigate climate change impacts such as floods and forest fires, and could create new job opportunities with community energy projects. The Renewable Energy Transition Plan will help the Town achieve the broader sustainability goals outlined in the Banff Community Plan (2008), and environmental objectives of the Banff National Park of Canada Management Plan (2010). Looking beyond the town’s fixed physical boundary, the RETP will drive a permanent decline in overall environmental impact regionally and globally. In so doing, the Renewable Energy Transition Plan will help Banff become one of Canada’s truly sustainable communities.