Greenest City 2020 Action Plan-The Background
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Due to various externalities such as rising fuel prices, population growth, climate change affecting Vancouver’s long term sustainability, the City of Vancouver recognised a need for immediate action.
In 2011, the Mayor of Vancouver introduced Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan, an ambitious initiative designed to help Vancouver become the greenest city in the world by te year 2020.
This comprehensive plan addresses the various environmental sustainability issues affecting a city and developed a set of ambitious yet achievable and measurable targets that put the city on its way to a sustainable future.
The Plan consists of 10 specific goals. Each of the goals has specific targets that The City needs to achieve by 2020 to become the global leader in their progress toward an environmentally sustainable future.
These specific goals now form the basis for policy decisions and the targets provide a mean to evaluate the progress.
The following goals have been identified as being the most relevant for the purpose of this Case Study,
2.Climate Leadership
3.Green Buildings
4.Green Transportation
The follow section will examine the strategies implemented by The City to meet these targets and goals.
In 2011, the Mayor of Vancouver introduced Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan, an ambitious initiative designed to help Vancouver become the greenest city in the world by te year 2020.
This comprehensive plan addresses the various environmental sustainability issues affecting a city and developed a set of ambitious yet achievable and measurable targets that put the city on its way to a sustainable future.
The Plan consists of 10 specific goals. Each of the goals has specific targets that The City needs to achieve by 2020 to become the global leader in their progress toward an environmentally sustainable future.
These specific goals now form the basis for policy decisions and the targets provide a mean to evaluate the progress.
The following goals have been identified as being the most relevant for the purpose of this Case Study,
2.Climate Leadership
3.Green Buildings
4.Green Transportation
The follow section will examine the strategies implemented by The City to meet these targets and goals.
Mitigation Strategies and Results
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Goal: Climate Leadership
2014-2015 Results:
According to the 2014-2015 Implementation Update released by The City of Vancouver, since the implementation of the Action Plan the City has seen a 7% decrease in GHG emissions based on 2007 levels. The total amount of CO2 emissions within the City have been reduced from 2,805,000 tonnes in 2007 to 2,610,000 tonnes in 2014-2015.
2014-2015 Results:
According to the 2014-2015 Implementation Update released by The City of Vancouver, since the implementation of the Action Plan the City has seen a 7% decrease in GHG emissions based on 2007 levels. The total amount of CO2 emissions within the City have been reduced from 2,805,000 tonnes in 2007 to 2,610,000 tonnes in 2014-2015.
Some of the most successful strategies used by the City of Vancouver to achieve this result include:
1. Landfill Gas Collection and re use
The gas Methane produced by landfills contributes to the total amount carbon emissions. Methane is created when the organic waste such as food and garden waste start to decompose within the landfill.
Methane is even more potent than carbon dioxide at retaining heat in the atmosphere, making it a powerful greenhouse gas (City of Vancouver 2012).
By collecting the waste gas from landfills and reusing it as a sustainable and renewable energy source to generate electricity and heat had been a successful strategy in helping to reduce Vancouver’s total GHG gas emissions. Over the past 4 years, Vancouver has invested 25 million dollars in infrastructure that help to improve the collection of methane.
The methane is then used as an energy source to heat onsite buildings, nearby greenhouses and also generate electricity.
The City of Vancouver had been working on upgrading and improve efficiency in in the gass collection process. In 2014, 505,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were captured, this is equivalent to taking over 126,000 cars off the road for a year (City of Vancouver 2015)
1. Landfill Gas Collection and re use
The gas Methane produced by landfills contributes to the total amount carbon emissions. Methane is created when the organic waste such as food and garden waste start to decompose within the landfill.
Methane is even more potent than carbon dioxide at retaining heat in the atmosphere, making it a powerful greenhouse gas (City of Vancouver 2012).
By collecting the waste gas from landfills and reusing it as a sustainable and renewable energy source to generate electricity and heat had been a successful strategy in helping to reduce Vancouver’s total GHG gas emissions. Over the past 4 years, Vancouver has invested 25 million dollars in infrastructure that help to improve the collection of methane.
The methane is then used as an energy source to heat onsite buildings, nearby greenhouses and also generate electricity.
The City of Vancouver had been working on upgrading and improve efficiency in in the gass collection process. In 2014, 505,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were captured, this is equivalent to taking over 126,000 cars off the road for a year (City of Vancouver 2015)
2. District Energy Systems
The City of Vancouver continues to invest in the development of its District Energy Systems. District Energy centralises the production of heating and cooling for a neighbourhood as whole.
Most district energy systems generate heat at a central plant, or through extracting heat from other sources such as sewage. The heat is then transferred into a fluid and distributed to buildings connected via underground pipes. In summer, cooling can also be generated in a similar way using this system.
The benefits of DES include the generation and delivery of energy with greater efficiencies and lower emissions than operating individual heat production equipments suchas boilers or furnaces (BC Climate Action Toolkit 2015)
The City of Vancouver continues to invest in the development of its District Energy Systems. District Energy centralises the production of heating and cooling for a neighbourhood as whole.
Most district energy systems generate heat at a central plant, or through extracting heat from other sources such as sewage. The heat is then transferred into a fluid and distributed to buildings connected via underground pipes. In summer, cooling can also be generated in a similar way using this system.
The benefits of DES include the generation and delivery of energy with greater efficiencies and lower emissions than operating individual heat production equipments suchas boilers or furnaces (BC Climate Action Toolkit 2015)
How District Energy System works
The Result:
Since 2010, over 4.2 million square feet of buildings are now connected to a District Energy System and a 700,000 square foot increase since last year (City of Vancouver 2015). The development of the District Energy System along with the new green buildings initiative are expected to contribute up to 42% of the total reductions leading up to 2020.
The City also has further plans to expand this initiative into more areas. This initiative is so successful that the City of Vancouver had recently been invited to lead a district energy workshop by the C40.
The achievement of a 7% in Greenhouse gas emissions since 2007 is particularly outstanding, due to the fact that there has been a 5% population growth and a 7% job growth within the City over the same period. The expansion of the District Energy System is one of the most successful projects that contributed to this reduction.
Since 2010, over 4.2 million square feet of buildings are now connected to a District Energy System and a 700,000 square foot increase since last year (City of Vancouver 2015). The development of the District Energy System along with the new green buildings initiative are expected to contribute up to 42% of the total reductions leading up to 2020.
The City also has further plans to expand this initiative into more areas. This initiative is so successful that the City of Vancouver had recently been invited to lead a district energy workshop by the C40.
The achievement of a 7% in Greenhouse gas emissions since 2007 is particularly outstanding, due to the fact that there has been a 5% population growth and a 7% job growth within the City over the same period. The expansion of the District Energy System is one of the most successful projects that contributed to this reduction.
Challenges & Barriers
➡ Many of the Greenest City goals are influenced by external influences beyond their control. For example Provincial and Federal policies will have an impact on Vancouver’s ability to meet their own targets.
One of the main challenges is the fact that there is little to no action on climate change at the federal level in Canada. Provinces and cities are taking on the task of developing meaningful strategies to ensure they mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
➡ Many large projects focus on economic benefits while failing to address the upstream and downstream environmental impacts associated with the project. This was seen in The Trans Mountain Pipeline review process where the National Energy Board (NEB) did not enabled Vancouver residents to participate and did not included a review of climate impacts of the project.
➡ Due to the fact that BC’s electricity is mainly generated from hydroelectric sources, it is impacted by external factors such as the amount of rain
➡ The targets within the other goals such as Building, Waste and Transportation areas also contribute to the overall reduction target.. Therefore the barriers in those areas are also present challenges for Climate leadership
➡ Many of the Greenest City goals are influenced by external influences beyond their control. For example Provincial and Federal policies will have an impact on Vancouver’s ability to meet their own targets.
One of the main challenges is the fact that there is little to no action on climate change at the federal level in Canada. Provinces and cities are taking on the task of developing meaningful strategies to ensure they mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
➡ Many large projects focus on economic benefits while failing to address the upstream and downstream environmental impacts associated with the project. This was seen in The Trans Mountain Pipeline review process where the National Energy Board (NEB) did not enabled Vancouver residents to participate and did not included a review of climate impacts of the project.
➡ Due to the fact that BC’s electricity is mainly generated from hydroelectric sources, it is impacted by external factors such as the amount of rain
➡ The targets within the other goals such as Building, Waste and Transportation areas also contribute to the overall reduction target.. Therefore the barriers in those areas are also present challenges for Climate leadership
Goal: Green Buildings
2014-2015 Results
In 2014-2015, the City has seen a decrease of 5% in greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings based off 2007 levels. As new initiatives are being rolled out constantly, the reduction is likely to further increase leading up to 2020.
While over 55% of Vancouver's total greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction and operation of buildings, the new Green Buildings and the district energy initiatives will contribute to 42% of the targeted 33% reduction in greenhouse gases, that equals to over 290,000 tons of emissions saved each year (City of Vancouver 2014a).
2014-2015 Results
In 2014-2015, the City has seen a decrease of 5% in greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings based off 2007 levels. As new initiatives are being rolled out constantly, the reduction is likely to further increase leading up to 2020.
While over 55% of Vancouver's total greenhouse gas emissions come from the construction and operation of buildings, the new Green Buildings and the district energy initiatives will contribute to 42% of the targeted 33% reduction in greenhouse gases, that equals to over 290,000 tons of emissions saved each year (City of Vancouver 2014a).
1. Updated Building By-Laws
The Vancouver Building By-Law has been recognized by the World Green Building Council as a world leading green building policy.
On April 1, 2014, Council enacted the 2012 British Columbia Building Code with additional requirements and revisions specific to Vancouver.
Developed in consultation with industry professionals, the new by-law took effect January 1, 2015. It supports the greening of Vancouver’s building stock by increasing the requirements for energy efficiency in new buildings, while also requiring buildings undergoing renovations to reduce their energy use.
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2. Rezoning Policies to increase energy efficiency
The City recognised the use of Rezoning Policies to provide an opportunity to further increase energy efficiency in the built environment.
In June 2014, the rezoning policy was updated to complement the future low-carbon neighbourhood energy utilities, mentioned previously as District Energy Systems.
In addition, the updated policy recognises energy efficiency programs, such as an EnerGuide 84 rating requirement for townhouses and residential buildings of up to four stories.
The City’s energy efficiency requirements for new buildings on rezoned land are even more progressive, exceeding By-Law requirements by a further 22%, meaning that the new buildings have to increase efficiency by 22% if they want to build on rezoned land.
The Vancouver Building By-Law has been recognized by the World Green Building Council as a world leading green building policy.
On April 1, 2014, Council enacted the 2012 British Columbia Building Code with additional requirements and revisions specific to Vancouver.
Developed in consultation with industry professionals, the new by-law took effect January 1, 2015. It supports the greening of Vancouver’s building stock by increasing the requirements for energy efficiency in new buildings, while also requiring buildings undergoing renovations to reduce their energy use.
.
2. Rezoning Policies to increase energy efficiency
The City recognised the use of Rezoning Policies to provide an opportunity to further increase energy efficiency in the built environment.
In June 2014, the rezoning policy was updated to complement the future low-carbon neighbourhood energy utilities, mentioned previously as District Energy Systems.
In addition, the updated policy recognises energy efficiency programs, such as an EnerGuide 84 rating requirement for townhouses and residential buildings of up to four stories.
The City’s energy efficiency requirements for new buildings on rezoned land are even more progressive, exceeding By-Law requirements by a further 22%, meaning that the new buildings have to increase efficiency by 22% if they want to build on rezoned land.
Challenges & Barriers:
While the Green Building Policy requires all future builds to be environmentally friendly, the upgrading and conversion of existing buildings is far more challenging as they require the residents and businesses to participate willingly
Due to the cost of energy such as natural gas being relatively cheap in BC, there is not a lot of among businesses and residents to pursue energy savings through energy retrofits. This has proven to be a major barrier in achieving full potential.
The City must introduce ways to encourage wider participation from the community.
While the Green Building Policy requires all future builds to be environmentally friendly, the upgrading and conversion of existing buildings is far more challenging as they require the residents and businesses to participate willingly
Due to the cost of energy such as natural gas being relatively cheap in BC, there is not a lot of among businesses and residents to pursue energy savings through energy retrofits. This has proven to be a major barrier in achieving full potential.
The City must introduce ways to encourage wider participation from the community.
Goal: Green Transportation
2014-2015 Results
As of April 2015, 50% of all trips taken in Vancouver are by foot, bicycle or public transport, meaning that the City has successfully met the 2020 target.
2014-2015 Results
As of April 2015, 50% of all trips taken in Vancouver are by foot, bicycle or public transport, meaning that the City has successfully met the 2020 target.
1. Enhancing the pedestrian and cyclist experience
Vancouver has seen a city-wide increase in walking as a way of getting around through the installation of specific bike lanes on roads with high bike and foot traffic.
As result, foot traffic increased 20%, and cycling on the sidewalk decreased by 80% led to increased safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
To further enhance the pedestrian experience and to encourage people to travel by foot, 210 wayfinding map stands were updated or installed throughout Vancouver in 2014.
The construction of these bike lanes has also led to record number of bike trips around the City, with increases of 21% in number of bike trips around the City.
2. Developing the Vancouver Bike Share Program
The City continues to work on developing a community bike sharing program.
The program will also include a unique helmet dispensing and return system. The public Bike Share Program will further increase cycling rates and provide another green transportation option for both locals and visitors to the City. The bike sharing program is expected to launch in 2015.
As of 2015, more and more people are choosing sustainable options for traveling around the city. Half of all trips made in Vancouver are by foot, bike and public transport and the City has reached its 2020 target of 50%.
Vancouver has seen a city-wide increase in walking as a way of getting around through the installation of specific bike lanes on roads with high bike and foot traffic.
As result, foot traffic increased 20%, and cycling on the sidewalk decreased by 80% led to increased safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
To further enhance the pedestrian experience and to encourage people to travel by foot, 210 wayfinding map stands were updated or installed throughout Vancouver in 2014.
The construction of these bike lanes has also led to record number of bike trips around the City, with increases of 21% in number of bike trips around the City.
2. Developing the Vancouver Bike Share Program
The City continues to work on developing a community bike sharing program.
The program will also include a unique helmet dispensing and return system. The public Bike Share Program will further increase cycling rates and provide another green transportation option for both locals and visitors to the City. The bike sharing program is expected to launch in 2015.
As of 2015, more and more people are choosing sustainable options for traveling around the city. Half of all trips made in Vancouver are by foot, bike and public transport and the City has reached its 2020 target of 50%.
Challenges & Barriers
The main barrier for major development and expansion of public transport infrastructure and services across the City and the greater Metro Vancouver areas is due to the funding gap.
Limited funding presents is a major barrier to the development and expansion of Vancouver’s public transportation. The government needs continue to collaborate with the Transit company to find equilibrium between the supply of public transportation and an ever increasing demand.
Another major challenge is acquiring the support from various stakeholders to in its planning decisions. Like in every scenario there are many different stakeholders that need to be considered and juggling each party’s conflicting views and interests is often challenging.
The main barrier for major development and expansion of public transport infrastructure and services across the City and the greater Metro Vancouver areas is due to the funding gap.
Limited funding presents is a major barrier to the development and expansion of Vancouver’s public transportation. The government needs continue to collaborate with the Transit company to find equilibrium between the supply of public transportation and an ever increasing demand.
Another major challenge is acquiring the support from various stakeholders to in its planning decisions. Like in every scenario there are many different stakeholders that need to be considered and juggling each party’s conflicting views and interests is often challenging.
The next page will examine and evaluate the various Climate Adaptation Strategies used by the City of Vancouver, please click on button below to be directed to the next page:
Reference List
BC Climate Action Tool Kit 2015, District Energy Systems, viewed 22 August 2015 <http://www.toolkit.bc.ca/tool/district-energy-systems>
City of Vancouver 2014a,Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility viewed 24 August 2015 <http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/false-creek-neighbourhood-energy-utility.aspx>
City of Vancouver 2014b, Greenest City Action Plan Implementation Update 2014, viewed 24 August 2015
< http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/greenest-city-2020-action-plan-2013-2014-implementation-update.pdf>
City of Vancouver 2015, Implementation Update 2014-2015, viewed 25 August 2015 < http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/greenest-city-2020-action-plan-2014-2015-implementation-update.pdf>
Underwood, C. 2004, Vancouver Landfill Gas Heat Greenhouses, viewed 29 August 2015 <http://cityfarmer.org/LandfillGas.html>
VanCityBuzz 2015, Earth Day: 10 goals to Vancouver's 2020 Greenest City Plan, viewed 22 August 2015 < http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/vancouver-2020-greenest-city-plan/>
City of Vancouver 2014a,Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility viewed 24 August 2015 <http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/false-creek-neighbourhood-energy-utility.aspx>
City of Vancouver 2014b, Greenest City Action Plan Implementation Update 2014, viewed 24 August 2015
< http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/greenest-city-2020-action-plan-2013-2014-implementation-update.pdf>
City of Vancouver 2015, Implementation Update 2014-2015, viewed 25 August 2015 < http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/greenest-city-2020-action-plan-2014-2015-implementation-update.pdf>
Underwood, C. 2004, Vancouver Landfill Gas Heat Greenhouses, viewed 29 August 2015 <http://cityfarmer.org/LandfillGas.html>
VanCityBuzz 2015, Earth Day: 10 goals to Vancouver's 2020 Greenest City Plan, viewed 22 August 2015 < http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/vancouver-2020-greenest-city-plan/>