BC Communities Honored for Climate Leadership at Annual Convention
The Climate & Energy Action Awards, celebrating over 25 years of recognizing exceptional climate initiatives, will announce this year’s winners at the Union of BC Municipalities’ annual convention on September 18, 2024. These prestigious awards honour municipalities, regional districts, and Indigenous communities in British Columbia for their impactful climate and energy actions.
Key Highlights:
- City of Nanaimo: Nanaimo has been recognized for its accelerated implementation of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This initiative is projected to avoid up to 24,800 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, setting a benchmark for other communities to follow.
- University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC has adopted a comprehensive Neighbourhood Climate Action Plan, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This plan includes innovative strategies for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and community engagement.
- City of Victoria and District of Saanich: These neighbouring municipalities have launched British Columbia’s first revitalization tax exemption to encourage building electrification. This policy is designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of clean energy in new and existing buildings.
The awards ceremony will feature presentations from the winning communities, showcasing their projects and sharing insights on their successful strategies. Attendees will be able to learn from these leading examples and explore how similar initiatives can be implemented in their regions.
The Climate & Energy Action Awards highlight the diverse and innovative approaches that communities across BC are taking to combat climate change. By recognizing and celebrating these efforts, the awards aim to inspire further action and collaboration in the fight against climate change.