City of Nanaimo has taken home gold for its green initiatives, earning top marks in a global non-profit’s list.
In a press release, the city said it has been recognized by the Climate Disclosure Project for “taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency,” amidst issues with the global economy. It is the first time the city has made a submission as part of the project.
Nanaimo has set community-wide emissions reduction targets to be 50-58 per cent below 2010 levels by 2030, and 94-107 per cent below 2010 levels by 2050, the press release stated.
“The city has implemented policies and programs related to building energy efficiency and emissions reduction, active transportation and waste reduction and reuse,” the city noted.
Adoption of the B.C. Energy Step Code for new buildings, provision to homeowners of home energy efficiency rebates, an electric vehicle charge infrastructure requirement for new developments, active transportation routes and participation in the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative were among the steps for which the city was lauded.
In the press release, Katie Walsh, with CDP North America, said Nanaimo’s rating is affirmation of its desire to mitigate climate change.
“From mitigating carbon emissions in line with science, to building resilience against floods, drought and other climate hazards, to centring marginalized and vulnerable communities in their response, A-list local governments are demonstrating best-practice environmental action,” she said. “Nanaimo is in the vanguard of cities and counties leading the way toward a climate-safe future.”
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog said the city is proud to receive the distinction.
“Being recognized as an A-list community is a significant acknowledgement of council’s commitment and efforts towards [Nanaimo’s] greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and climate resilience goals,” he said in the press release. “The city has implemented programs and policies to help reduce community greenhouse gas emissions and support our community in adapting to climate change impacts.”
The Climate Disclosure Project is a global non-profit that runs a system that encourages “and support local governments to ramp up their climate action and ambition,” the press release said, with cities being recognized based on environmental data they provide. More than 1,000 local governments were graded by CDP in 2022, with 12 per cent receiving an A grade, noted the release.
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