A vision for a carbon neutral community
By accelerating climate action we can tap into new opportunities to enhance and preserve the quality of life in Central Saanich. We are stepping up our efforts in light of the climate emergency; on December 16, 2019, Central Saanich Council approved ambitious and accelerated community climate targets that align with the UN’s recommendation to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. You can read the full staff report on this topic here.
Central Saanich climate targets:
Reduce community emissions by 45% by 2030 over 2007 levels. (In 2007 the community emitted approx 76,000 tonnes of territorial GHG emissions.)
Become a carbon neutral community by 2050.
Bold actions to reach our climate targets:
Click on the items below to learn about the actions we're working on to achieve these targets.
What this means: Every year, about 3% of buildings on average undergo renovations to drastically reduce their energy usage and install zero emission heating (such as heat pumps) and hot water systems.
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Staff are working with other municipalities and City Green Solutions to develop new programs and strategies for supporting energy retrofits of Central Saanich homes and buildings.
- In 2020 until funds are depleted, Central Saanich will contribute a $350 rebate top-up for residents switching their primary home heat source from fossil fuel (oil, natural gas and propane) to an electric heat pump. Up to $3,700 is available, see csaanich.ca/homerebates.
- Free educational workshops are being hosted by the municipality for those wanting to learn more about home energy efficiency and available rebates.
- Staff are researching whether the municipality can provide low or no interest loans to interested homeowners for energy retrofits. These loans would be paid back in installments on the home owner’s property tax, using the savings from the energy efficiency and home heating upgrades.
What this means: Every year from 2020 to 2030, 30 oil or propane heaters are replaced with electric heat pumps and hot water systems (assumes an estimated 300 homes total)
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Staff are researching whether the municipality can provide low or no interest loans to interested homeowners for energy retrofits. These loans would be paid back in installments on the home owner’s property tax, using the savings from the energy efficiency and home heating upgrades.
- Central Saanich has launched a rebate top-up for homes switching their primary heat source from fossil fuel (oil, natural gas and propane) to an electric heat pump. Up to $3,700 is available, see csaanich.ca/homerebates.
What this means: By 2025, the District will aim for all new buildings in Central Saanich to be built 80% more efficient than the current BC Building Code requires. Learn more at https://www.centralsaanich.ca/stepcode
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Building permits applications for new residential or large commercial buildings received after January 1, 2020, will be required to meet a minimum of Step 1.
- Starting January 1, 2021, Step 2 or 3 will be required, depending on building type
- Rebates are available: For new construction that meets the targets of a higher step than required, Central Saanich Council has authorized building permit rebates. A mid-construction blower door test rebate is also available
- See https://www.centralsaanich.ca/stepcode for more information on Central Saanich Step Code adoption
What this means: When organic waste decomposes, it releases biogas into the atmosphere. That biogas can be captured from sources such as landfills and farms, and turned into renewable natural gas. By 2050, any remaining natural gas use will be renewable.
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- The District will continue to collaborate with the Capital Regional District, neighbouring municipalities, researchers, and local industry to support opportunities to generate and use renewable natural gas in the Capital Region.
What this means: On average, by 2050, every resident takes four times more trips by active transportation (walking, cycling, transit) than they currently do, eliminating car trips for these outings
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Currently, Central Saanich is developing an Active Transportation Plan to identify priority projects, actions, and policies that support and encourage walking, cycling, rolling, and transit integration. To learn more and to subscribe to project updates, head to https://letstalkcentralsaanich.ca/activetransportation
- In 2019, the District brought Modo car share to the community, providing an alternative, or addition, to private vehicle ownership. Central Saanich residents get $50 in free drive time upon signing up! Learn more at csaanich.ca/modo
- The District is working on policies and guidelines for residential infill and development. These guidelines are intended to support community growth and densification that results in walkable, compact, and complete neighbourhoods in Central Saanich. Learn more and subscribe to project updates at https://letstalkcentralsaanich.ca/housing
What this means: By 2030, 4,800 electric vehicles are on the road in Central Saanich.
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Staff will be preparing an electric vehicle strategy report for Council in early 2020 that outlines methods to support accelerated electric vehicle adoptions in Central Saanich. For example, requiring new buildings to be “EV-ready” and installing more public chargers in the municipality.
- Free educational workshops are being hosted by the municipality for those wanting to learn more about electric vehicles and available rebates.
- Learn more about provincial, federal, and other rebates on our Active & Electric Transportation page.
What this means: Here in the Capital Regional District, the average person produces 380 kg of garbage annually. The CRD would like to see us reduce to 250 kg per person to extend the life of the Hartland Landfill, which will be full by 2045 if we don't do something.
Actions being taken towards this goal:
- Working with the CRD to achieve 100% organize waste diversion from residential and commercial sources.
