Blog

TransformTO funding approved: And the race begins

3/2018 - Every journey begins with a first step, and thanks to Toronto City Council, we’ve embarked on the journey to turn the TransformTO climate plan into reality. What happens next now that the 2018 budget received approval?

Making transit fare-free: A dream scenario or red herring?

3/2018 - Wouldn’t it be nice to take any bus, any streetcar, any commuter train free of charge, whenever you want? What sounds like a dream could soon be reality in five German cities as part of a pilot project on fare-free transit. But would it be good policy to offer free transit in the GTHA to boost ridership or is the real issue a lack of investment in service?

Sharing climate-friendly ideas: Perspectives from Picture2050

3/2018 - Led by the Toronto Climate Action Network and sponsored by The Atmospheric Fund, the TransformTO-inspired Picture2050 contest asked residents to imagine Toronto in the year 2050 as a caring and climate-friendly city of the future. The winning photos highlighted public transit and green infrastructure - here's what we learned:

Lack of low-carbon commitments: Assessing the climate impact of Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan

2/2018 - Ontario's new Long-Term Energy Plan provides a vision for the energy system over the next decade. However, the Plan lacks clear commitments to reducing emissions. Without a strategy towards a low-carbon energy system, Ontario will fall short of the necessary actions to meet provincial or national climate targets.

The how-to-guide for regional expansion: Opportunities for climate action in the GTHA

2/2018 - After a year of research to guide TAF's regional expansion efforts, we present the "Greenhouse Gas Reduction – Action and Opportunity in the GTHA" report. With this guide, we're excited to continue advancing climate action in the region.

Overheating no more: How smart thermostats improve the lives of over 1,300 residents

2/2018 - TAF's TowerWise project provides multiple benefits through energy retrofits such as jobs, health, and comfort. Smart thermostats give residents control over their comfort in a way that also maximizes the performance of these existing buildings - a win-win solution for building residents, carbon emissions, and energy savings.

Despite setbacks in the U.S., global green investments soar in 2017

2/2018 - While the U.S. federal government stepped back on climate change leadership, the rest of the world held steadfast on the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Clean technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy are competing well, outperforming most other sectors. Nothing trumps good economics - and the future looks bright for green investments.

ZeroHouse: A made-in-Toronto net zero housing solution

1/2018 - How can we reduce emissions from new residential buildings while addressing the housing shortage in the GTHA, especially the gap between high-rises and detached homes? The ZeroHouse, co-developed by Ryerson University students and the Endeavour Centre, shows how to address both issues.

TransformTO: Full funding is critical for climate action

1/2018 - When it comes to meeting Toronto’s climate targets, words are not enough. We need to invest to achieve our goals, starting now. That’s why the Council decision on the TransformTO 2018 operating budget is so important. Read TAF's letter to the City's Budget Committee.

Picture2050: Today’s photos can show us our future city

1/2018 - To create something, you must first be able to picture it. Such visions often sprout from a seed that already exists; something you would like to see grow and expand to reach its potential. This is very much the idea behind the current #Picture2050 photo contest that's inspired by the TransformTO climate plan for Toronto.

Best bang for our climate bucks: Looking beyond cost per tonne

1/2018 - Would anyone ditch all fruits and vegetables and switch to a carbs-only diet because it's the cheapest? Obviously not. Likewise, governments shouldn't solely focus on cost per tonne of emissions reduced when it comes to investing public dollars in climate action. A nuanced approach is what we need.

Money on the table: Why investors miss out on the energy efficiency market

12/2017 - Energy efficiency retrofits in Canada represent a multi-billion dollar market opportunity, yet investment levels remain low. TAF's latest report identifies three market failures that hamper investment and maps out how to overcome them based on international best practices.