A lot has changed since our March update but we're still working hard to support urban climate solutions in the GTHA (while physically distancing).
We are also turning our attention to what possibilities might follow this crisis - alternatives to the status quo once the public health emergency is under control. We've joined a national conversation about what a post-COVID-19 green stimulus could look like, we sent an open letter to the Prime Minister about the transition to a clean energy economy, and we have developed recommendations in this blog post to lock in climate solutions as part of the economic recovery.
Continue reading for more on our ongoing work to support a resilient, low-carbon future.
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LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS: POLICY
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A resilient recovery: an open letter from Canada’s clean energy sector
Relief, recovery and resilience: the three Rs that need to guide our response once the pandemic is under control. In collaboration with our colleagues in Canada's clean energy sector, we sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizing three key recommendations:
- To signal climate policy continuity and enhancement.
- To invest in sufficient, sustained and sustainable stimulus.
- And to move quickly to support clean energy solutions, Canadian cleantech innovation and businesses by expanding existing initiatives and programs.
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Off peak delivery pilot goes province-wide
Off-peak delivery could be a win-win for businesses and the climate, as demonstrated by the successful TAF-funded pilot in Peel Region which saved retailers money and reduced carbon emissions by 11%. Recently the provincial government announced two pieces of legislation allowing off-peak deliveries across Ontario for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. TAF is optimistic about the carbon reduction potential for this policy in the long-term, and encourages the province, municipalities, and retailers to use this initiative as an opportunity to monitor and demonstrate the positive impacts at scale.
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LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS: CARBON QUANTIFICATION
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We're helping the GTHA follow the carbon
Last week, we engaged members of the Clean Air Council to help improve access to good carbon emissions data in GTHA municipalities. Our quantification team is creating a community of practice, which will help municipalities develop a robust annual emissions inventory.
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LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS: BUILDINGS
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Creating effective retrofit programs
Retrofits can create jobs and stimulate the economy, while improving health and resilience. A full-scale building retrofit program is a powerful opportunity to create good jobs, stimulate the economy and achieve our climate goals.
> Watch our 2-minute video about keys to a successful retrofit program.
> Watch our full recorded webinar with detailed retrofit program recommendations, or see the summary.
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NEW case studies show retrofit profitability
Between 2014 and 2018, we initiated retrofits at two local co-operative housing communities. Now, with robust post-retrofit monitoring data, we released two case studies to show how profitable emissions-reducing retrofits can be.
Retrofits at Perth Avenue Co-op and Hospital Workers Co-op saved a combined $162,888 on utilities annually.
> Read the Perth Avenue Co-op case study.
> Read the Hospital Workers Co-op case study.
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We are #EqualBy30
TAF has committed to putting gender equality at the heart of the global transition to a clean energy future.
> Read more about Equal by 30.
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