Richmond Hill A National Climate Protection Champion

Council acknowledged the efforts of staff for their significant reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past several years and being a cross-Canada climate protection champion after being delivered a presentation on the achievements of Richmond Hill’s Clean Air Local Action Plan.

The presentation, delivered by the Town’s Manager of Environmental Programs, George Flint, highlighted the Town’s successes and its special achievement as the first municipality in Ontario to achieve its reduction target under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Partners for Climate Protection program. It was also noted that Richmond Hill is only one of five municipalities across Canada to reach milestone five of addressing climate change issues.

The presentation outlined how Richmond Hill has not only met its target of 20 per cent reduction below 2000 levels by 2009, but also exceeded its target by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below 2000 levels. This accomplishment is even more significant as the Town’s population grew by 37 per cent from 2000 to 2009.

Richmond Hill actively took many important steps to reduce its carbon footprint, such as converting all traffic signals to LEDs, using hybrid vehicles, and implementing an Energy Management plan for municipal buildings. With the goal of becoming a municipal leader in protecting and supporting the environment, Richmond Hill has also partnered with other organizations and participated in programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including Earth Hour and Clean Air Commute to Work Week. The presentation also noted the Town’s use of gas tax grants to fund many of the green projects.

Going forward, the Town has set a target of a 2.5 per cent GHG reduction per year at facilities which began in 2010 and goes until 2012. For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/environment or contact George Flint, Manager of Environmental Programs, at 905-771-2455 (From Council Meeting held on Monday, June 27, 2011; Presentation).

No related posts.