Trudeau’s climate platform: 6 promises we’re watching10/2015 - For the 27 million Canadians living in cities, it’s notable that the new Liberal government has made some important commitments to urban sustainability. The Party’s on-line election platform has an overwhelming raft of content, So we’ve put together a summary of the key elements that focus on climate change, cities, and the low-carbon economy. We hope this record of the tangible commitments made during the election can act as a reference point for measuring this government’s progress over time.
Province steps up to help municipalities address climate change10/2015 - How might a provincial mandate help cities legislate the most effective climate programs? Ontario is currently reviewing key pieces of municipal legislation to ensure that municipalities across the Province have the tools, powers, and flexibility they need to effectively serve their communities.
A new City program to help green tech innovators succeed10/2015 - Last week, Toronto City Council passed the Green Market Acceleration Program (GMAP) for a two-year pilot period. Run collaboratively by the Toronto Office of Partnerships and Economic Development and Culture, GMAP will allow local businesses to apply to the City to use city infrastructure for applied research, proving concepts and demonstrating new technologies developed here in Toronto.
Canada’s ex-central banker calls for action on “tragedy of the horizon”10/2015 - When one of the world’s most powerful central bankers gives a speech at an insurance industry event on climate change, you know there has been a sea-change in the attitudes of the financial sector.
Toronto Community Housing retrofits help residents and the climate10/2015 - TAF’s new $4.2 million TowerWise Retrofit Project will finance and implement energy efficiency upgrades in seven Toronto Community Housing buildings across Metro Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York. In addition to expected greenhouse gas reductions of 30%, the project will be complimented by a slew of other benefits.
Closing the loop – local geothermal heat pump performance8/2015 - Homes and businesses in the Greater Toronto Area are experiencing deep energy savings by harvesting ground heat with geothermal heat pump (AKA geoexchange) systems. With energy savings of 30-70% and 20-95% for space heating and cooling respectively, it is no wonder this emerging technology is experiencing increased interest across Canada.
Four climate challenges for Alberta’s new government7/2015 - Wasting no time following Premier Notley’s commitment to craft a climate action plan, the Pembina Institute convened about one hundred thought-leaders from around the country in Calgary this week. I was honoured to be invited to the roundtable to share insights we’ve gained reducing emissions in the City of Toronto.
Partners trump powers when it comes to climate action7/2015 - Hey Toronto – what’s your urban personality type? A new report from C40 Cities and ARUP mines characteristics of global cities to find out how they act – and how this affects their ability to push along their carbon reduction targets.