Metro Vancouver
Climate Actions 2015
Climate Action Revenue Incentive
Program (CARIP)
PUBLIC REPORT
May 27, 2016
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
General Information
Regional District:
Population
Regional Growth Strategy:
Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Regional District)
2,494,000 (2015)
“Metro Vancouver 2040 – Shaping our Future” (adopted July 2011)
Report Preparation and Contact Information
This report was prepared by the staff of the Air Quality and Climate Change Division of Metro
Vancouver, with input from across the organization. Questions on the report should be directed to
[email protected] or the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at 604-432-6200.
Reported by:
Roger Quan
Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
Planning, Policy and Environment Department
Contact us:
Metro Vancouver
4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G8
604-432-6200
www.metrovancouver.org
Cover photo shows the North Shore from Coal Harbour (credit: Eddie Cheung)
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information ................................................................................................................................. 2
Report Preparation and Contact Information........................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................................................... 3
BROAD PLANNING......................................................................................................................................... 5
Regional Growth Strategy ......................................................................................................................... 5
Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan .............................................................. 5
Metro Vancouver Board Strategic Plan 2015-2018 .................................................................................. 5
CORPORATE – Broad Planning .................................................................................................................. 7
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Broad Planning ...................................................................................................... 8
BUILDINGS AND LIGHTING .......................................................................................................................... 10
CORPORATE – Buildings and Lighting ..................................................................................................... 10
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Buildings and Lighting.......................................................................................... 11
ENERGY GENERATION ................................................................................................................................. 13
CORPORATE - Energy Generation ........................................................................................................... 13
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Energy Generation ............................................................................................... 16
GREENSPACE/NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION ...................................................................................... 17
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Greenspace/Natural Resource Protection .......................................................... 17
CORPORATE – Greenspace/Natural Resource Protection ...................................................................... 19
SOLID WASTE .............................................................................................................................................. 20
CORPORATE - Solid Waste ...................................................................................................................... 20
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Solid Waste........................................................................................................... 22
TRANSPORTATION ...................................................................................................................................... 25
CORPORATE – Transportation ................................................................................................................ 25
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Transportation ..................................................................................................... 26
WATER and WASTEWATER ......................................................................................................................... 29
CORPORATE - Water and Wastewater.................................................................................................... 29
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Water and Wastewater ........................................................................................ 31
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ................................................................................................................. 32
CORPORATE – Climate Change Adaptation ............................................................................................ 32
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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COMMUNITY-WIDE - Climate Change Adaptation ................................................................................. 33
OTHER CLIMATE ACTIONS........................................................................................................................... 34
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Other Climate Action............................................................................................ 34
INNOVATION AND PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING ............................................................................................. 36
CORPORATE – Innovation and Peer-to-Peer Learning ............................................................................ 36
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Innovation and Peer-to-Peer Learning ................................................................ 37
PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ................................................................... 38
2015 CARBON NEUTRAL REPORTING ......................................................................................................... 39
Reporting Emissions ................................................................................................................................ 39
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 41
APPENDIX 1: Contracted Emissions Report for Metro Vancouver ............................................................. 42
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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BROAD PLANNING
Broad Planning refers to the high level, strategic planning that sets the stage for Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
reductions. Land use planning that focuses on Smart Growth principles (compact, complete, connected
and centred) plays an especially important role in energy and GHG reduction. Plans that relate to a certain
sector are included in that sector, e.g. transportation plans in the 'Transportation' sector.
Regional Growth Strategy
As a regional government, Metro Vancouver has a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), rather than an Official
Community Plan (OCP). Metro Vancouver 2040 – Shaping our Future was adopted on July 29th, 2011, after
being unanimously accepted by all local governments in the region. The RGS contains targets, policies and
actions to reduce GHG emissions, as per the requirements under the Local Government (Green
Communities) Statutes Amendment Act. Strategy 3.3 is to “Encourage land use and transportation
infrastructure that reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, and improve air quality”. Metro
Vancouver’s role is to implement the strategies and actions of the RGS, which contribute to regional
targets to reduce GHG emissions by 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 2007
levels by 2050. Examples of strategies and actions contained in the RGS to address climate change include:
efficient goods movement; green infrastructure; protected and managed natural areas; mixed use,
transit-oriented communities; low-impact development; work and play close to home; protected
farmland; increasing share of trips by transit, cycling and walking; green buildings; and focusing growth in
urban centres and transit corridors. Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy is available here:
www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/metro-vancouver-2040
Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan
Metro Vancouver also adopted an Integrated Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan in 2011
with 5 strategies comprised of 37 actions to reduce GHG emissions. These actions include: strategies to
reduce short-lived climate forcers such as methane and black carbon; establishment of a regional climate
action fund; support for small and medium enterprises to reduce their emissions; support for low carbon
vehicle infrastructure; exploration of carbon sequestration opportunities; and raising public awareness of
low carbon building and transportation options. Metro Vancouver's Integrated Air Quality and
Greenhouse Gas Management Plan is available here: www.metrovancouver.org/services/airquality/plans-reports/iaqggmp
Metro Vancouver Board Strategic Plan 2015-2018
In 2015, Metro Vancouver’s Board adopted its 2015‐2018 Board Strategic Plan. Under the Regional
Federation section the Board directs staff to “Incorporate strategies and actions into all Metro Vancouver
functions to mitigate and adapt to climate change” and to “incorporate climate change messaging into
public communications”. Under the Air Quality and Climate Action section the direction is more specific,
stating that Metro Vancouver will “Develop, adopt and implement a regional climate action strategy for
reducing regional GHG emissions and adapting to climate change”, and identifies specific elements of this
new strategy. The Board Strategic Plan also confirms the importance of collaboration, education and
engagement, decision‐making based on triple bottom line analysis, fiscal responsibility, and the alignment
of regional and member objectives. Metro Vancouver's Board Strategic Plan is available at:
http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/aboutuspublications/BoardStrategicPlan2015-2018.pdf
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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Response
What GHG reduction targets are included in your local
government’s Official Community Plan or Regional Growth
Strategy?
Metro Vancouver’s Regional Growth
Strategy includes regional targets to
reduce GHG emissions by 33 percent
below 2007 levels by 2020 and 80
percent below 2007 levels by 2050.
Are you familiar with the Community Energy and Emission
Inventory (CEEI)?
Yes
Does your local government use the Community Energy
and Emissions Inventory (CEEI) to measure progress?
Yes; Metro Vancouver conducts and
verifies its own detailed region‐wide
emissions inventory every 5 years, but
also used the CEEI for specific purposes
such as comparing to interim years,
comparing to other regions and
communities in BC, cross checking
methods used in our own inventory, etc.
Which of the following does your local government use to
guide climate action implementation?
Community Energy and Emissions (CEE) Plan
N/A
Climate Action Plan
Yes (see below)
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
N/A
Official Community Plan (OCP)
N/A
Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)
Yes
Others:
Yes; The Integrated Air Quality and
Greenhouse Gas Management Plan has
elements of the CEEP, Climate Action
Plan, and ICSP
Does your local government have a climate action reserve
fund?
No
Does your local government have a Corporate Climate
Action Plan?
Yes; Metro Vancouver's Corporate
Climate Action Plan provides strategic
direction to staff working on climate
change issues. The plan's vision for
Metro Vancouver is: "a carbon neutral
corporation resilient to the impacts of
climate change".
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CORPORATE – Broad Planning
Actions taken in 2015
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Regional Parks Plan 2016:
Completion and adoption of the
Regional Parks Plan 2016, one of the
suite of management plans providing
strategic direction for regional parks
Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy:
Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy:
Initiation of the Integrated Regional
Climate Action Strategy (IRCAS)
development process which will include
a compilation of corporate mitigation
and adaptation actions.
Completion of the first version of IRCAS
which will include a compilation of
corporate mitigation and adaptation
actions.
Establishment of the IRCAS Advisory
Committee with representation from
across Metro Vancouver departments.
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Land Acquisition Strategy:
Development of a Land Acquisition
Strategy to guide Regional Parks in their
property acquisitions for the next 25
years.
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Internal Carbon Price and Policy:
Internal Carbon Price and Policy:
Initiation of a project to establish an
internal carbon price for Metro
Vancouver.
Propose a policy on incorporating
carbon pricing into Metro Vancouver’s
evaluation of capital projects, operating
and maintenance projects and other
activities and operations that produce
(or reduce) GHGs.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Tracking
System:
Energy and Greenhouse Gas Tracking
System:
Metro Vancouver continued to improve
its Energy and GHG Tracking System
(developed and commissioned in
2014), adding more data and expanding
its use within the organization.
Metro Vancouver will continue to
develop and implement detailed energy
and GHG reporting from facility to
corporate level.
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Policy
Implementation
Corporate Energy Management Policy:
Corporate Energy Management Policy:
Metro Vancouver continued to
implement the Corporate Energy
Management Policy (2014).
Policy implementation will continue in
2016.
Policy
Implementation
Sustainability Innovation Funds:
Sustainability Innovation Funds:
Metro Vancouver has held its GST
rebate in reserve over the past number
of years, and this fund was used to
create Sustainability Innovation Funds
(SIF) for internal Metro Vancouver
Projects. The project eligibility criteria
for the funds was established in 2014
and the first call for project proposals
was issued to staff in 2015, with
climate change identified as one of the
key thematic areas.
The second intake of project
applications for the SIF with climate
change again a key thematic area.
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Broad Planning
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy:
Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy:
Metro Vancouver 2015 Board Strategic
Plan directs staff to “develop, adopt
and implement a regional climate
action strategy for reducing regional
GHG emissions and adapting to climate
change”. Staff initiated an intradepartmental working group to develop
both an Integrated Regional Climate
Action Strategy (IRCAS) concept, along
with a process for communicating,
engaging and educating internal staff
and external stakeholders.
A draft framework for IRCAS has been
taken to the Board Standing Committee
on Climate Action where it was
endorsed for further development.
The strategy was started in late 2015
with the intent of developing and
agreeing on a workplan and schedule,
as well as responsibilities, a reporting
structure and process for engaging the
GVRD Board through the Board
Standing Committee on Climate Action.
Throughout 2016 and into 2017, staff
will be action-planning in conjunction
with an interdepartmental Advisory
Committee. The action planning will
guide the next stages of the IRCAS
development, which will include a
process for engaging local governments
on coordinated climate action in the
region.
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Urban Centres and Frequent Transit
Development Areas:
In 2016 Metro Vancouver will conduct
an intensive review of Regional Growth
Strategy implementation through an
analysis of growth management tools
available to Urban Centres and Frequent
Transit Development Areas.
Metro Vancouver staff will work with
external agencies and key stakeholders
(including member municipalities) in
order to review the effectiveness of
current growth management tools used
in coordinating growth in the region.
Community
Education,
Engagement
Metro Vancouver e-Library of
Sustainability Initiatives:
Metro Vancouver e-Library of
Sustainability Initiatives:
Metro Vancouver has developed an
online “e-library” including 20 stories
describing inspiring sustainability
initiatives.
The e-library will be updated and
integrated with other Metro Vancouver
communications. After it is launched,
the intent is to promote e-library among
member municipalities to identify new
content and to encourage knowledge
sharing.
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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BUILDINGS AND LIGHTING
Low-carbon buildings use the minimum amount of energy needed to provide comfort and safety for
their inhabitants, and tap into renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and power. These
buildings can save money, especially viewed over the long term.
CORPORATE – Buildings and Lighting
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
2015 Metro Vancouver Housing
Corporation Measures Complete:
2016 Metro Vancouver Housing
Corporation Goals:
Implemented BC Hydro’s Energy
Conservation Assistance Program at
applicable sites, to manage and reduce
tenant demand for electricity, building
heating and hot water.
Water heating: Replace 1 large domestic
hot water boiler (500,000 Btu/h),
approximately 100 domestic hot water
tanks with higher efficiency models and
26 domestic hot water tanks with
tankless condensing water heaters
Water heating: Replaced approximately
100 domestic hot water tanks with
higher efficiency models.
Space Heating: Replaced 1 large boiler
(720,000 Btu/h) and 1 smaller boiler
(225,000 Btu/h) with higher efficiency
models.
Lighting: Upgraded parkade lighting
with high efficiency T8 fluorescent
fixtures at 3 site and exterior lighting
with LED fixtures at 5 sites.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Space Heating: Replaced 1 large boiler
(800,000 Btu/h), 11 mid-level boilers
(225,000 Btu/h) and 5 furnaces with
higher efficiency models.
Lighting: Upgrade exterior/parkade
lighting to high efficiency lighting at
approximately 10 sites; convert all
common area rooms to occupancy
sensor lighting controls.
Other actions: replace all laundry
equipment (383 units) with higher
efficient models, and install metering
and develop phase-out plan for 24 gas
fireplaces.
New Head office building:
Head office building:
Metro Vancouver purchase a new head
office building that is certified LEED
platinum (core and shell).
Design of the interior space for the new
head office building is underway. The
move is scheduled for late 2017, which
is expected to result in reduced building
energy consumption and water use.
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Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Wastewater Treatment Plant Lighting
Upgrades:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Lighting
Upgrades:
Energy efficient lighting upgrades were
completed at Annacis Island and Iona
Island Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Additional lighting upgrades are planned
for Annacis Island and Iona Island
Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Regional Parks Lighting Upgrades:
Regional Parks Lighting Upgrades:
Planning began for an energy efficient
lighting upgrade at Minnekhada
Regional Park.
Complete lighting upgrade at
Minnekhada Regional Park.
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Buildings and Lighting
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Kanaka Creek Watershed
Stewardship Centre:
Kanaka Creek Watershed
Stewardship Centre:
Planning for a centre for education,
stewardship, community engagement
and research for the entire Kanaka
Creek Watershed.
Construction and opening of the Kanaka
Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre,
including landscape and storm water
management systems.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Pacific Spirit Regional Park Operations
Centre:
Pacific Spirit Regional Park Operations
Centre:
Research, feasibility studies, cost
estimation and community
engagement for a new operations
facility, with consideration of energy
efficiency and green building
standards.
Site planning, design development,
tendering, construction and site
renewal.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Home Energy Labelling Pilot Project:
RateOurHome.ca Program:
Initiate development of campaign
concept and materials aimed at
increasing public awareness of
EnerGuide labels for homes. Establish
working group.
Finalize campaign materials and
website. Initiate implementation of
Program, including populating website
with homes that have been rated by
EnerGuide.
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Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
RateOurHome.ca Incentive Program
Research:
Undertake research to determine the
effectiveness of an incentive program
aimed at offering reduced cost
EnerGuide assessments in exchange for
public display of the label on
RateOurHome.ca.
Strata Energy Advisor Program:
Strata Energy Advisor Program:
Secured funding through Metro
Vancouver’s “Sustainability Innovation
Funds” program for an energy advisor
pilot program for strata corporations. A
project steering committee was
established with representation from
the municipalities, utilities and the
Condominium Homeowners
Association, and pilot project design
phase was started.
Finalize the project design and launch
the strata energy advisor services.
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ENERGY GENERATION
A transition to renewable or low-emission energy sources for heating, cooling and power supports large,
long-term GHG emissions reductions. Renewable energy including waste heat recovery (e.g. from
biogas and biomass), geo-exchange, micro hydroelectric, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic, heat
pumps, tidal, wave, and wind energy can be implemented at different scales, e.g. in individual homes, or
integrated across neighbourhoods through district energy or co-generation systems.
Variable
Response
Is your local government developing, or constructing a district energy project?
Yes
Is your local government operating a district energy system?
No
Is your local government developing or constructing a renewable energy project?
Yes
Is your local government operating a renewable energy project?
Yes
Are you aware of the Integrated Resource Recovery guidance page on the BC Climate
Action Toolkit?
Yes
CORPORATE - Energy Generation
Actions taken in 2015
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Iona Island Wastewater Treatment
Plant Digester Gas Utilization Project:
The Iona Island Wastewater Treatment
Plant cogeneration system was
upgraded and a legal agreement was
put into place with BC Hydro to remove
the electricity export restriction. The
project will considerably reduce the
need to flare biogas, which will enable
the cogeneration system to generate
an additional 3.2 GWh of electricity per
year. The system was commissioned in
April 2015.
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Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment
Plant Cogen Upgrade:
Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment
Plant Cogen Upgrade:
The cogeneration system at Annacis
Island Wastewater Treatment Plant will
be upgraded from 3.2 MW capacity to
7.6 MW capacity. This will allow use of
biogas that is currently flared due to
capacity limitations of the existing
system. A cogen engine purchase
contract was signed and preliminary
design of the new system continued
through 2015.
System detailed design will continue in
2016 with construction expected in
2017.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Electricity Generation:
Electricity Generation:
Commissioned the Capilano Energy
Recovery Facility, where a turbine
generates electricity from treated
water that is returning from the higher
elevation Seymour-Capilano Filtration
Plant to the lower elevation Capilano
distribution system. The electricity
generated is used to offset some of the
power requirements for the Capilano
Raw Water Pump Station.
Continue to move forward on steps
towards generating hydroelectricity at
the new Barnston Maple Ridge Pump
Station for sale to BC Hydro.
Continue to evaluate the electricity
generation potential of upcoming capital
projects within the water transmission
system.
Completed initial steps towards selling
hydroelectricity to BC Hydro from the
proposed turbine at the new Barnston
Maple Ridge Pump Station.
Completed business case for an
electricity generating turbine in the
inlet valve chamber of the new
Fleetwood Reservoir, which was not
deemed favourable at this time.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Pilot Co-digestion Facility:
Pilot Co-digestion Facility:
Testing of regular operation of a pilot
co-digestion facility for energy recovery
at the Annacis Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant continued.
Continue with short-term pilot testing of
different materials at the Facility. Begin
long-term analysis of how this process
fits into management of Trucked Liquid
Waste as a whole.
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Effluent heat recovery:
Effluent heat recovery:
Completed a refined conceptual design
and updated financial model for
effluent heat recovery at the new Lions
Gate Secondary Wastewater Treatment
Plant facility.
Pursue approvals for providing heat
from effluent at Lions Gate Secondary
Wastewater Treatment Plant to a thirdparty district energy system. Draft a
contract for sale of effluent heat.
Completed a conceptual design and
financial model for effluent heat
recovery at the existing Iona Island
Wastewater Treatment Plant facility,
providing service to YVR.
Demand for effluent heat will be
triggered by YVR energy infrastructure
plans in early 2020s. Plans for dialogue
with YVR and potential next steps to
take place.
Completed a refined conceptual design
and updated financial model for
effluent heat recovery at the Lulu
Island Secondary Wastewater
Treatment Plant facility.
Demand for effluent heat will be
triggered by demand growth in City of
Richmond district energy zones. Effluent
heat supply would likely not be
economically efficient until demand was
maximized, in mid-2020s. Dialogue with
Richmond will take place to plan steps
for confirmation and implementation of
potential project.
Regional Park Solar-Powered
Conversion Project:
This pilot project received Sustainable
Innovation Funding in 2016, and will test
whether solar energy can be used to
replace gas-powered generators used at
park and utility facilities where access to
electricity does not exist or would be
expensive. The pilot will be at Colony
Farm, with potential for scale up to
other regional park sites. If viable, the
use of solar energy would reduce the
GHG emissions and other air pollutants
from the use of generators and the
associated noise. Results will be shared
within Metro Vancouver and its
members as well as the members of the
British Columbia Parks and Recreation
Association.
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COMMUNITY-WIDE - Energy Generation
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Sewer heat recovery:
Sewer heat recovery:
Sewer heat recovery from the Gilbert
Trunk for use in the Richmond Oval
district energy system were requested
by the City of Richmond in 2014, for
estimated operational date of 2019.
Metro Vancouver Board approval for the
Gilbert Trunk-Richmond Oval project will
be sought, and the project placed on the
list of capital projects for
implementation.
The City of New Westminster and
Metro Vancouver explored potential
sewage heat extraction locations
along the Sapperton sewer main, to
service a new district energy system
being explored by the city, and
identified a preferred location and
configuration. The city has identified
sewer heat as a preferred source for
the new system.
The City of New Westminster is initiating
plans for neighbourhood development
that will be supported by a new district
energy system. Their plans and schedule
will be used to determine timelines for
Metro Vancouver Board approval and
projection initiation.
Several other potential opportunities
for sewer heat recovery were
identified by Metro Vancouver
municipalities. Data was provided to
allow analysis of the viability of the
opportunity.
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GREENSPACE/NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
Greenspace refers to parks and greenways, boulevards, community forests, urban agriculture, riparian
areas, gardens, recreation/school sites, and other green spaces, such as remediated brownfield/
contaminated sites. Greenspaces support climate change mitigation (reducing emissions by absorbing
and sequestering GHG) and adaptation (providing shade, cooling, deflecting strong wind, and improving
air quality). Please note that the 'Greenspace' sector only has a community-wide actions section.
Variable
Response
Does your local government have urban forest policies, plans or programs?
Yes
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Greenspace/Natural Resource Protection
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Ecological Restoration Program:
Ecological Restoration Program:
Restore degraded sites, enhance
biodiversity, promote ecosystem
resilience.
Revegetation Program for various sites
in the regional park system estimated
at $120K annually.
Revegetation Program for various sites
in the regional park system estimated
at $120K for 2015.
Focus on restoration of sites at
Aldergrove, Burnaby Lake, Campbell
Valley, Iona, Tynehead and Widgeon
Regional Parks.
Policy
Implementation
Heritage Land Acquisition Program:
Heritage Land Acquisition Program:
Secure important natural lands for
inclusion as part of the regional park
system to meet the goals and
objectives of Metro 2040 and the
Regional Parks Plan 2016.
Ongoing acquisitions of important
natural lands.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Grasslands Management Program:
Grasslands Management Program:
Improved old-field habitat values
identified in Park Management Plans
and grassland habitat for species within
the Regional Parks System identified as
being of conservation concern. Met
specific park objectives at Colony Farm,
Boundary Bay, Campbell Valley and
Aldergrove Lake Regional Parks.
Priority is further assessment,
renovation and monitoring of grassland
areas at Boundary Bay Regional Park, as
well as fields located in Campbell Valley
and Tynehead Regional Parks.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
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Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Invasive Species Management:
Invasive Species Management:
Inventory and control of various
species of concern (knotweed,
Lamiastrum, Scotch broom, English ivy,
blackberry, reed canary grass, white
poplar, butternut, bishops weed and
giant hogweed) within selected parks
and areas.
Continue to map invasive plant species
occurrences and assess previous
treatments in our park system and
control methods for particular species
will be researched when required.
Ongoing annual program budget is
approximately $100K.
Ongoing annual program
(approximately $100K in 2015).
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Surrey Bend Regional Park:
Surrey Bend Regional Park:
Construction and development of new
park including habitat creation,
enhancement and restoration.
Park was opened to the public in April
2016; park development is ongoing.
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Widgeon Marsh Park Reserve
Management Plan:
Develop a plan to preserve and
enhance the parks natural resources
and provide opportunities for people to
connect with nature at the park
reserve. Undertake pre-planning and
research as part of the initial stages of
management planning.
Community
Education,
Engagement
Grow Green Guide:
Grow Green Guide:
Development of the Grow Green Guide
(www.GrowGreenGuide.ca), through a
partnership between Metro Vancouver
and the UBC Botanical Garden, to
provide a step-by-step guide for
starting and maintaining beautiful and
sustainable gardens. The Grow Green
Guide is specifically designed for the
climate and ecology of this region.
Release and communication of the
Grow Green Guide. This Guide supports
several Metro Vancouver sustainability
goals by providing information on
water conservation, rainwater
absorption, wildlife habitats, invasive
species, soil health, and composting.
Grow Green is the first and only
gardening guide created specifically for
this region, and is funded through
Metro Vancouver’s Sustainability
Innovation Fund.
Community
Education,
Engagement
Ecosystem valuation:
Ecosystem valuation:
Drafted Metro Vancouver Carbon
Storage Technical Document which
quantifies major terrestrial stores of
carbon (e.g. trees and soil) in the
region.
Work with regional experts to develop
tools/guidance to enable local
governments to incorporate ecosystem
services into their decision making.
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CORPORATE – Greenspace/Natural Resource Protection
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Burns Bog Restoration Study:
Burns Bog Restoration Study:
One of the Sustainability Innovation
Fund projects that Metro Vancouver is
undertaking will test ways to enhance
ecological recovery in coastal bogs that
have been damaged by clearing for
agriculture. This study will examine the
potential for peat restoration at Burns
Bog, with potential to reduce methane
emissions and restore the bog’s ability
to sequester carbon.
In 2016, researchers will identify several
experimental plots within damaged
areas of the Burns Bog Ecological
Conservancy Area and collect baseline
biophysical data. Various restoration
approaches and treatments will be
applied to selected plots and, over the
subsequent two years, those
approaches will be evaluated for their
potential to accelerate the recovery
process. Cutting edge monitoring
techniques will be used to assess
ecosystem health and GHG emissions.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Avoided Forest Conversion Project Kanaka Creek Regional Park:
Avoided Forest Conversion Project Kanaka Creek Regional Park:
In August 2015, Metro Vancouver
Preparation of a Forest Management
purchased two unimproved, forested
Plan for the newly acquired sites in
properties adjacent to Kanaka Creek
Kanaka Creek Regional Park.
Regional Park in Maple Ridge, which
advances the mandate of Metro
Vancouver Regional Parks to protect
the region’s important natural areas. By
protecting these properties as
parkland, Metro Vancouver has
eliminated the threat of conversion to
non-forest use by developers, and is
eligible to claim carbon credits
associated with protecting the carbon
stored in the timber.
Page 19 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
SOLID WASTE
Reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering and managing the disposal of residual solid waste minimizes
environmental impacts and supports sustainable environmental management, GHG reductions, and
improved air and water quality.
Variable
Response
Does your local government have construction and demolition waste reduction policies,
plans or programs?
Yes
Does your local government have organics reduction/diversion policies, plans or
programs?
Yes
CORPORATE - Solid Waste
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Landfill Gas Utilization Project at
Cache Creek Landfill:
Coquitlam Landfill Gas Capture System:
Project is complete.
Design work for expanding the landfill gas
collection system to the south side of the
Coquitlam Landfill is ongoing.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Unattended scale project at Surrey
Transfer Station:
North Shore Transfer Station
Reconfiguration:
Implemented unattended scale to
reduce wait times for account
customers.
Reconfigure the transfer station layout to
combine queuing and recycling on the
same property to improve traffic flow
and services.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
District Energy project at Metro
Vancouver Waste-to-Energy Facility:
Researching the feasibility of delivering
low grade heat to various users.
Coquitlam Landfill Gas Capture
System:
Verification of 2014 GHG reductions
and calculation of GHG reduction
credits.
Coquitlam Landfill Gas Capture System:
Verify 2015 GHG reductions, and
continue to explore options for beneficial
use of landfill gas.
Page 20 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Conversion of short-haul trucks from
diesel to CNG:
Policy
Implementation
Material recycling and reuse:
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Feasibility Study for biosolids drying
using waste heat:
Conducting a cost/benefit analysis of fuel
switching. This task will be dependent on
the selection of a new transfer station
operation contractor.
Continue application of recycling and
reuse requirements in corporate
demolition tender documents. Metro
Vancouver will work with member
municipalities to expand such purchasing
policies in public works across the region.
We are commissioning a feasibility study
to determine if it is possible to dry
biosolids using waste heat from the soon
to be upgraded co-generation equipment
at the Annacis Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant. If this project is
determined to be feasible it has the
potential to offset GHG emissions in 3
ways:
(1) Eliminate/or reduce the need to use
additional fuel (natural gas) to dry
biosolids;
(2) Reduce the GHG emissions from
transporting biosolids for beneficial use
(since biosolids are >70% water – drying
greatly reduces the amount of fuel
needed for transport); and
(3) Allow some biosolids to be used as a
coal substitute (e.g. at local cement kilns)
thereby reducing the amount of coal
derived GHG emissions from those
customers.
Page 21 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Campbell Mountain Landfill Biofilter:
This landfill in the Regional District of
Okanagan Similkameen will be
progressively closed in the next few
years. We are currently in talks with the
Regional District regarding installing a
biocover test pad at this landfill to oxidize
methane emissions.
Waste Management Plans for Parks:
Waste Management Plans for Parks:
Developed plans to manage waste
streams including dog waste,
recyclables, organics and garbage.
Proceed with a first year of a 3 year
(2016-2018) Implementation Plan
focusing on 10 park sites.
A separate Waste Management Plan
has been developed for each park/site.
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Solid Waste
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Policy
Implementation
Food Scraps Disposal Ban:
Food Scraps Disposal Ban:
Introduced disposal ban on food
scraps at all regional solid waste
facilities on January 1, 2015.
Estimated result was an increase of
about 66,000 tonnes of compostable
organics diverted away from disposal
and into composting or biofuel
production in 2015, compared to
2014.
Continued business and public education
and communication of the ban. It is
expected that the allowable threshold for
ban enforcement will be made more
stringent as of January 1, 2017.
Policy
Implementation
Clean Wood Waste Disposal Ban:
Clean Wood Waste Disposal Ban:
Introduced disposal ban on clean
wood waste at all regional solid waste
facilities on January 1, 2015.
Estimated result was an increase of
about 900 tonnes of clean wood
diverted away from disposal and into
recycling in 2015, compared to 2014.
(Large commercial loads of wood are
disposed at private facilities; wood
taken to regional solid waste facilities
is mostly limited to small residential
drop off loads).
Continued business and public education
and communication of the ban. It is
expected that the allowable threshold for
ban enforcement will be made more
stringent as of January 1, 2017.
Page 22 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Community
Education,
Engagement
Behavior change campaigns around
waste reduction:
Behavior change campaigns around
waste reduction:
Initiatives in 2015 included the
following:
The following initiatives are planned:
- Food scraps recycling programs for
single family, multi-family and
industrial / commercial / institutional
audiences,
- Food waste reduction (through
adopting Love Food Hate Waste
campaign)
- Battery recycling initiative in
partnership with EPR programs
- Waste reduction through the
Christmas Make Memories Not
Garbage campaign
- Promoted medications return
programs in partnership with the BC
Pharmaceutical Association and
others
- Re-launched MVRecycles, an online
recycling location database specific to
the Lower Mainland of BC
- Continue existing programs, targeting
additional materials present in the waste
stream
- Expand “Make Memories Not Garbage”
program to encompass year-round gift
and celebration opportunities
- Initiate a National Food Waste
Campaign, through the National Zero
Waste Council, that will involve a range of
actions including a national target,
continued advocacy for a tax incentive,
support for instituting organic bans across
Canada and initiating a national
behaviour change campaign to reduce
food waste based on Metro Vancouver’s
experience with the Love Food, Hate
Waste campaign.
- Host the annual Zero Waste Conference
November 3, 2016
- Further research and engagement of
local governments in advocating for a
Federal tax incentive to divert
nutritious food from disposal (through
the National Zero Waste Council,
which Metro Vancouver is a founding
member)
- Hosted Annual Zero Waste
Conference that attracted over 500
delegates to engage in ideas to
promote waste prevention through
innovation in technologies and policy,
new design standards, resource
efficiencies and behavior change. This
year the conference included a
satellite event in Toronto.
Page 23 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Organics Diversion GHG Reduction
Credits:
Organics Diversion GHG Reduction
Credits:
Calculation of Organics Diversion
Credits on behalf of local
governments, in support of their
carbon neutral goals. Total Green
Communities GHG reduction credits
for all eligible municipalities have
been calculated to be approximately
32,500 tonnes CO2‐equivalent for the
additional diversion undertaken in
2015 beyond the 2007 baseline.
Continue to support the regional
municipalities by calculating their GHG
reduction credits for additional organics
diversion activities that occurred in 2016.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Waste Composition Monitoring:
Waste Composition Monitoring:
Completed the measurement of
waste composition in 2015 and
confirmed the reduction in the
amount of food scraps disposed.
In the planning phases on completing a
waste composition monitoring program in
2016 to confirm reductions in
compostable organics and to target any
other materials for diversion.
Page 24 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation actions that increase transportation system efficiency, emphasize the movement of
people and goods, and give priority to more efficient modes, e.g. walking, cycling, ridesharing, and
public transit, can contribute to reductions in GHG emissions and more livable communities.
Variable
Response
Does your local government have policies, plans or programs to support alternative
modes and technologies of transportation (e.g. walking, cycling, transit, electric vehicles)
Yes
Does your local government have a transportation demand management (TDM) strategy?
(e.g. to reduce single-vehicle occupancy trips, increase travel options, provide incentives
to encourage individuals to modify travel behavior)?
Yes
Does your local government have policies, plans or programs to support local food
production (thus reducing transportation emissions)?
Yes
CORPORATE – Transportation
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Employer Transit Commuter Program:
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Fleet Management Policy:
Metro Vancouver has updated its
program to incentivize alternatives to
driving to work, by offering staff who
take transit a partial reimbursement for
TransLink Compass products.
A new corporate Fleet Management
Policy is under development that will
take into account environmental
considerations (in particular GHG
emissions) during all stages of the fleet
management process.
Page 25 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Transportation
Actions taken in 2015
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Proposed amendments to the NonRoad Diesel Engine Emissions
Regulation:
Seek to update registration
requirements for low-use diesel engines
in order to accurately reflect the
amount of time the engines are used
each year and the associated emissions.
These amendments will encourage
more engine owners to switch to
engines with lower emissions.
Funding
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Greater Vancouver Regional Fund:
Greater Vancouver Regional Fund:
Metro Vancouver began development
of the policy and evaluation criteria for
the implementation of the Greater
Vancouver Regional Fund. Under the
2014 federal gas tax agreement, the
GVRD Board has approval authority
over all TransLink applications for
federal gas tax funding.
The GVRD Board will ratify the Greater
Vancouver Regional Fund’s policy and
evaluation criteria. TransLink’s first
application for GVRF funding is
anticipated in fall 2016.
Mixed Income Transit-Oriented Rental
Housing Study:
The Mixed Income Transit-Oriented
Rental Housing Study continues to
advance the goal of achieving of
affordable rental housing in transitoriented locations that meet Metro
2040’s complete communities, GHG
reduction, and sustainable
transportation objectives. Key activities
include examining the transit ridership
effects of tenure, income, and location;
and the viability of regulatory and
financial tools to enable the viability of
affordable rental housing in transitoriented locations.
Page 26 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Regional Study on Drayage (transport
of goods over a short distance)
Scenarios:
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
George Massey Tunnel Replacement
Project:
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Electric Vehicle “Garage Orphans”
Policy Study:
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Electric Vehicle and EV Charging
Equipment Market Study:
This study builds on Metro Vancouver
research into inland terminals and short
sea shipping to further advance the
knowledge of goods movement and
actions to reduce, mitigate, or pre-empt
adverse impacts to communities,
including GHG emissions. Development
of the scope of work with study
partners will continue through 2016.
Metro Vancouver is engaged as a
stakeholder in the provincial
environmental review process, which
was initiated in December 2015. GHG
emissions evaluation is one element of
the environmental review process. In
April 2016, the GVRD Board sent a letter
to the Federal Minister of Environment
and Climate Change requesting a
federal environmental review of the
Project, noting “the potential for the
project to increase GHG emissions and
contribute to climate is a concern given
the commitments of local, provincial,
and federal governments to address
climate change impacts.”
UBC Student researched policy issues
and options to deal with so-called
“garage orphans”, which are electric
vehicles with no garage access.
Research will pave the way for a City of
Vancouver pilot project.
Conduct a market study of available
technology for electric vehicles and
their charging equipment.
Page 27 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Community
Education,
Engagement
“Emotive” Electric Vehicle Outreach
Campaign:
“Emotive” Electric Vehicle Outreach
Campaign:
Delivered second year of outreach on
electric vehicles both on social media
and at events.
Deliver third year of outreach on EVs
both on social media and at events.
Undertake joint initiative with Province
of BC to develop new campaign creative
material for launch in 2016-2017.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
EVCondo.ca:
EVCondo.ca:
Research and content development for
a website to support electric vehicle
charging in multi-unit residential
buildings.
Web build and promotion of
EVCondo.ca, including a registry of
“Electric Vehicle-friendly stratas”.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Metro Vancouver Smart Drive
Challenge:
Metro Vancouver Smart Drive
Challenge:
Confirmed funding to develop and
implement a study to determine the
effectiveness of feedback and training
on driving behavior. Year 1 involved
contracting program delivery.
Year 2 of the project involves detailed
program design and implementation.
Year 3 will involve data analysis.
Data &
Reporting
Electric Vehicle Registration Tracking:
Electric Vehicle Registration Tracking:
Track and report (in aggregate) on
quarterly basis ICBC registration
information on plug in electric and
hybrid vehicles.
Track and report (in aggregate) on
quarterly basis ICBC registration
information on plug in electric and
hybrid vehicles. Seek permissions from
ICBC to make data public on Metro
Vancouver website.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
North Shore Transit Oriented Corridor
Study:
North Shore Transit Oriented Corridor
Study:
A North Shore Transit Oriented Corridor
planning study was initiated with a
partnership between Metro Vancouver
and TransLink. The partnership was
broadened out to include partner
municipalities and Squamish First
Nation (SFN) on the North Shore
subregion to explore a rapid transit
future through coordinated land use
and transportation analysis/planning.
The study will continue through 2016
with the formation of a formal working
agreement between TransLink and
Metro Vancouver, as well as another
informal project agreement with the
municipal partners and the SFN. Phases
one and two have been completed and
the third phase will explore the
technical requirements in transit
expansion scenarios that include
increasing service levels up to a phased
rapid transit vision, connecting
Dundarave in West Vancouver with
Maplewood Village in the District of
North Vancouver.
Page 28 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
WATER and WASTEWATER
Managing and reducing water consumption and wastewater is an important aspect of developing a
sustainable built environment that supports healthy communities, protects ecological integrity, and
reduces GHG emissions.
Variable
Response
Does your local government have water conservation policies, plans or programs?
Yes
CORPORATE - Water and Wastewater
Actions taken in 2015
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Comprehensive Regional Water
System Plan:
Development of this plan has started in
2016, with completion scheduled for
2017. It will outline a planning strategy
for the regional water system over the
next century, including consideration of
the effects of a changing climate.
Physical
Improvements,
Construction
Annacis Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant pumps upgrade:
Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment
Plant pumps upgrade:
Parts are no longer available for the
original variable frequency drives
(VFDs) for the influent pumps and
trickling filter pumps, so new efficient
VFDs will be installed in 2017.
Preliminary design of the new system
and a detailed design RFP were
completed in 2015
Detailed design is expected to be
completed in 2016 with construction
following in 2017.
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Central Park Pump Station Efficiency:
Central Park Pump Station Efficiency:
Project planning for installation of a
variable frequency drive in 2017.
Design will continue in 2016 with
construction following in 2017.
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Seymour Capilano Filtration Plant:
Seymour Capilano Filtration Plant:
Seven additional ultra‐violet
disinfection reactors were upgraded
with energy saving lamps and ballasts
(45,000 kWh/year savings).
Lamps in all 24 reactors have been
upgraded in early 2016. The 3-year
project is now complete.
Page 29 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Feasibility Studies,
Research, Analysis
Hydrothermal Processing Pilot Project:
The aim of this is to design, fabricate,
commission, and evaluate a
hydrothermal processing pilot facility at
the Annacis Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant. Hydrothermal
processing is an alternative to
managing solids at treatment plants
and works by converting the organic
matter to oil. It has the potential to
displace digesters and biosolids
production – the current approach to
managing solids at treatment
plants. This emerging technology,
founded on U.S. Department of Energy
patents, has the potential for Metro
Vancouver’s future facilities to be zeronet energy, produce zero biosolids,
reduce GHG emissions, and yield net
cost savings.
The proposal has received Board
approval for funding under the
Sustainability Innovation Fund, subject
to securing additional external funding
for a total of $9 million needed over a 3
year period. Installation is targeted for
Q4 2017, then development and
performance testing through 2018 and
2019. The pilot facility will produce 50
to 60 barrels of biocrude per week;
displacing up to 1500 tCO2e per year.
The approach will be considered in the
design and implementation of MV’s
future facilities; a full scale system for
the new Iona Island Secondary
Treatment plant would be about 50
times larger than the proposed pilot.
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Annacis Island Wastewater
Treatment Plant Air Compressor
Upgrade:
.
A new, energy-efficient instrument air
compressor was installed in 2015
(164,000 kWh/year savings).
Page 30 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Physical
Improvement,
Construction
Process Optimization:
Process optimization work is ongoing at
several water and wastewater
treatment plants and pump stations
Biogas Upgrading Project at Lulu
Island Wastewater Treatment Plant:
Biogas Upgrading Project at Lulu Island
Wastewater Treatment Plant:
Metro Vancouver’s contract with
FortisBC was amended to reflect
changes in project scope.
Engineering design is commencing in
2016, with an expected construction
completion date of early 2018.
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Water and Wastewater
Feasibility
Studies, Research,
Analysis
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Lulu Island Sewerage Area Integrated
Resource Recovery Study:
Lulu Island Sewerage Area Integrated
Resource Recovery Study:
Metro Vancouver initiated
procurement for the study that will
analyze opportunities for energy
generation, reuse, and GHG reductions
within the City of Richmond and Metro
Vancouver’s liquid waste systems in
the Lulu Island Sewerage Area (LSA)
and relevant industries over a 40-year
time horizon. Outcomes will be
recommendations that will advance
integrated resource recovery within
the LSA.
The study will be conducted
throughout 2016 with an aim for
completion in 2017.
Page 31 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
For local governments, adaptation to a changing climate can take the form of changes in policy,
management, technology and behaviour that minimize negative impacts or exploit opportunities. It can
involve both “hard” and “soft” solutions, including: changes in infrastructure engineering, planning,
zoning, bylaws, and public education.
Variable
Response
Are you aware of the Plan2Adapt guidance page on the BC Climate Action Toolkit?
Yes
Are you aware of the Preparing for Climate Change, An Implementation Guide for Local
Governments in BC on the BC Climate Action Toolkit?
Yes
Have you visited the climate change adaptation guidance page on the BC Climate Action
Toolkit?
Yes
CORPORATE – Climate Change Adaptation
Actions taken in 2015
Feasibility Studies,
Research, Analysis
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Climate Change Impacts and
Adaptation for Regional Water
System:
As per an approved Sustainability
Innovation Fund project, an evaluation
of the regional water system’s
vulnerability to changing climates is
being completed, identifying and
ranking potential adaptations
Community
Education,
Engagement
Outdoor Fire Program for Regional
Parks:
Outdoor Fire Program for Regional
Parks:
Development of an Outdoor Fire
Program including public education,
uniform design standards and
sustainable firewood components to
better manage outdoor burning and
reduce emissions.
Consider implementation of
recommended program elements once
approved.
Page 32 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Feasibility Studies,
Research, Analysis
Climate projections update:
Climate projections update:
Metro Vancouver engaged Pacific
Climate Impacts Consortium to
develop a common set of regionally
downscaled climate change
projections to be used by Metro
Vancouver and member municipalities
for climate adaptation planning.
The report summarizing the climate
projections will be published and
shared with stakeholders. Metro
Vancouver utilities staff will review the
climate projections and identify
opportunities to incorporate this
information into planning and
operations.
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Climate Change Adaptation
Plans, Policies,
Regulations
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy:
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy:
The climate change adaptation
strategy is a component of the
Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy (IRCAS) referenced earlier in
this report. The adaptation strategy is
structured through two components;
the internal/corporate adaptation
strategy and the external/regional
strategy. Each of these two directions
within IRCAS require a unique process
in their development. 2015 saw the
completion of the External
Environmental Scan and Gap Analysis
to determine the lay of the land in the
municipalities’ approaches to climate
change adaptation. This report was
used, in part, to develop the direction
for climate adaptation within the
larger IRCAS.
With the establishment of IRCAS, the
corporate climate change adaptation
strategy will begin to more formally
structure and coordinate the corporate
approach to building resilience
throughout the organization’s many
responsibilities. The Departmental
climate impact integration process will
continue with the intent of compiling
the approaches into the strategy by the
end of the year. The adaptation
components of the strategy will be
included in a draft of the IRCAS that will
be going to the Board for
approval/adoption before the end of
the year.
A number of internal staff workshops
were held to begin structuring the
integration of climate change impacts
into decision-making within the
organization.
Page 33 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
OTHER CLIMATE ACTIONS
This section includes other climate actions that could not be captured in the above sectors, including
climate change adaptation actions.
COMMUNITY-WIDE - Other Climate Action
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Community
Education,
Engagement
Caring for the Air Report:
Caring for the Air is published annually.
The 2016 issue will include topics related
to energy efficiency projects in the region,
as well as information about climate
change mitigation and adaptation activities
Community
Education,
Engagement
Innovative Tools for Community Energy
Planning:
Innovative Tools for Community Energy
Planning:
Plan the final two years of the Project by
building on the Community Energy
Explorer platform and complete the
Community Energy and Emissions Plan
pilot in the District of West Vancouver.
Refine and add new components to the
Community Energy Explorer refining the
renewable energy mapping, economic and
cost information, additional case studies,
thermal imaging, and user input of energy
information for homes and apartment
buildings.
The Caring for the Air report is an
illustrated, plain‐language publication
introduced by Metro Vancouver in 2012.
The 2015 report included articles and
infographics presenting information
about the global nature of GHG
emissions and updates on projects being
undertaken to mitigate climate change
in the region through electric vehicle
outreach initiatives, highlighting the
benefits of home energy efficiency and
developing opportunities to support
carbon sequestration in natural areas.
The 2015 issue also included
information about the sectors in which
decreases have been seen since 2007 in
the region. Current and past issues of
Caring for the Air are available at:
http://www.metrovancouver.org/servic
es/air-quality/informationpublic/caring-for-theair/Pages/default.aspx
Page 34 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
Community
Education,
Engagement
School & Youth Leadership Program –
Climate change outreach, education &
relationship building activities:
Convened Metro Vancouver Youth-4Action Sustainability Leadership events
reaching high school youth leaders,
school districts and other partners in
sustainability education) actively
involved in sustainability action projects
– including climate action projects.
Reached 1500+ high school youth via 20
unique Youth-4-Action events.
Delivered “Metro Vancouver
Sustainability Toolbox 2015”, A Youth-4Action Leadership Field Course.
Convened Metro Vancouver Teacher
Professional Development Workshops
where strategies and resources to
integrate sustainability topics, concepts
and actions (including climate change
and climate action) to the K-12
classroom were explored. More than
400 K-12 teachers were reached via 15
teacher workshops.
School & Youth Leadership Program:
Develop & Deliver Metro Vancouver
School & Youth Leadership programs and
resources on topics of regional
sustainability, including energy and climate
change.
Identify opportunities and resources to
support Metro Vancouver Teachers &
Students to integrate sustainability and
climate action objectives and respond to
recently revised (new) BC Curriculum.
Ongoing collaboration with Metro
Vancouver School Districts and partners in
sustainability & climate change education
to support teacher professional
development and youth leadership.
Ongoing collaboration with Metro
Vancouver School Districts in support of
K-12 teacher leadership and youth
leadership to advance sustainability
objectives including climate action
objectives in Metro Vancouver School
Communities.
Provided review and input to the BC
Ministry of Education Curriculum
regarding inclusion of Environmental
Literacy and Sustainability content /
concepts.
Feasibility
Studies,
Research,
Analysis
Taking Action on Greenhouse Gas
Emissions for Business (TAGGE):
Taking Action on Greenhouse Gas
Emissions for Business (TAGGE):
Explore program design options for the
small business program with input from
technical advisory group and steering
committee
Complete preliminary program design and
begin conversations with potential funding
partners on the delivering small business
program.
Page 35 of 42
Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
INNOVATION AND PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING
This section provides the opportunity to showcase an innovative Corporate and/or Community-Wide
reduction or adaptation activity that your local government has undertaken and that has had a
significant impact or has the potential to have a significant impact. Projects included here may be
featured as success stories on the B.C. Climate Action Toolkit and/or shared with other local
governments to inspire further climate action. Please add links to additional information where
possible.
CORPORATE – Innovation and Peer-to-Peer Learning
Metro
Vancouver’s
Sustainability
Innovation
Funds
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Metro Vancouver has held its GST
rebate in reserve over the past number
of years, and this fund was used to
create Sustainability Innovation Funds
(SIF) for internal Metro Vancouver
Projects. The project eligibility criteria
for the funds was established in 2014
and the first call for project proposals
was issued to staff in 2015, with climate
change identified as one of the key
thematic areas, along with supporting
natural systems and/or complete
communities.
The second intake of project applications
for the Sustainability Innovation Funds
with climate change again a key thematic
area.
A number of innovative projects that
were awarded funding are described in
this report, including the Smart Drive
Challenge, the Strata Energy Advisor
Program, the Grow Green Guide, the
Burns Bog restoration study, and the
project to examine Change Impacts and
Adaptation for the Regional Water
System Climate.
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
COMMUNITY-WIDE – Innovation and Peer-to-Peer Learning
Metro
Vancouver’s
Board-directed
“Integrated
Regional
Climate Action
Strategy”
Actions taken in 2015
Actions underway/planned for 2016
Recognizing the importance of
responding to the climate change
challenge, during its 2014‐2018 term,
the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors
provided direction and scope for
developing an Integrated Regional
Climate Action Strategy in the 2015‐
2018 Board Strategic Plan. The Board
directed staff to “Incorporate strategies
and actions into all Metro Vancouver
functions to mitigate and adapt to
climate change” and to “Develop, adopt
and implement a regional climate action
strategy for reducing regional GHG
emissions and adapting to climate
change”.
Staff will completion of the first version of
the Integrated Regional Climate Action
Strategy. The document and
communication approach will be
developed through internal and external
consultation.
Initiation of the Integrated Regional
Climate Action Strategy development
process began in 2015.
The IRCAS will:
•
•
•
•
•
Establish a cohesive regional
approach to climate action based on
measureable and attainable targets.
Bring together and coordinate
organizations and individuals in Metro
Vancouver who are working to adapt
and mitigate
Complement actions already taking
place by a wide variety of internal and
external stakeholders.
Create a multiplier effect and offer
direction through existing and new
initiatives and projects.
Inspire others to take action
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
PROGRAMS, PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local governments often rely on programs, partnerships and funding opportunities to achieve their
climate action goals. Please share the names of programs and organizations that have supported your
local government’s climate actions by listing each entry in the appropriate box below.
Programs and Funding
Metro Vancouver’s climate action initiatives has been fortunate to rely on a number of partnerships
and funders to successfully implement projects and programs, including but not limited to:
BC Home Safety and Standards Branch
BC Hydro
BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Climate Action Secretariat, BC Ministry of Environment
City Green Solutions
Climate Smart
Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning (CALP) at UBC
Community Energy Association (CEA)
Condominium Homeowners Associations (CHOA)
Fortis BC
Fraser Basin Council
Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association
Homeowners Protection Office
Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, UBC
Mitacs
Natural Resources Canada
Pacific Institute of Climate Solutions (PICS)
Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC)
Pembina Institute
Plug-in BC
Port of Vancouver
Quality Urban Energy Systems for Tomorrow (QUEST)
RDH Engineering
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Scout Environmental
University of British Columbia
Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association
Various local governments
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
2015 CARBON NEUTRAL REPORTING
Reporting Emissions
Did you measure your local government's corporate GHG emissions in 2015?
Yes
Corporate GHG emissions (in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) from services
delivered directly by your local government:
5,491
Corporate GHG emissions (in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) from
contracted services:
527
TOTAL A: CORPORATE GHG EMISSIONS FOR 2015
6,018
tCO2e
Reporting Reductions and Offsets
To be carbon neutral, a local government must balance their TOTAL corporate GHG emissions by one or
a combination of the following actions:
 undertake Option 1 Projects (GCC-supported)
 undertake Option 2 Projects (alternative) community GHG emissions reduction projects that
meet project eligibility requirements
 purchase carbon offsets from a credible offset provider
If applicable, please report the 2015 GHG emissions reductions (in tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent (tCO2e)) being claimed from Option 1 GHG Reduction Projects:
OPTION 1 PROJECTS
REDUCTIONS
Grant Hill (Kanaka Creek Regional Park) Avoided Forest Conversion Project 1
1,815
TOTAL B: REDUCTIONS FROM OPTION 1 PROJECTS FOR 2015
1,815
tCO2e
1
For more information about the Grant Hill Avoided Forest Conversion Project, please refer to the Project Report,
available at: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/climate-action/our-operations/corporateaction-plan/Pages/default.aspx
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
If applicable, please report the names and 2015 GHG emissions reductions (in tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent (tCO2e)) being claimed from Option 2 GHG Reduction Projects:
OPTION 2 PROJECT NAME
REDUCTIONS
Coquitlam Landfill Gas Collection System Upgrade Project 2
958
Vancouver Landfill Gas Capture Optimization Project 3
6,197
TOTAL C: REDUCTIONS FROM OPTION 2 PROJECTS FOR 2015
7,155 tCO2e
If applicable, please report the number of offsets purchased (in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent
(tCO2e)) from an offset provider for the 2015 reporting year:
(NOTE: DO NOT INCLUDE ANY FUNDS THAT MAY BE SET ASIDE IN A CLIMATE ACTION RESERVE FUND)
OFFSET PROVIDER
REDUCTIONS
Not applicable
N/A
TOTAL D: OFFSETS PURCHASED FOR 2015
0 tCO2e
TOTAL REDUCTION AND OFFSETS FOR 2015 (Total B+C+D) =
8,970 tCO2e
Corporate GHG Emissions Balance for 2015
Your local government's Corporate GHG Emissions Balance is the difference between total corporate
GHG emissions (direct + contracted emissions) and the GHG emissions reduced through GCC Option 1
and Option 2 projects and/or the purchase of offsets.
CORPORATE GHG EMISSIONS BALANCE FOR 2015 = (A – (B+C+D)) =
Metro Vancouver is Carbon Neutral for the 2015 reporting year.
-2,952 tCO2e
2
For more information about the Coquitlam Landfill Gas Collection System Upgrade Project, please refer to the
validated Project Plan and the 2015 Project Report, available at: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/airquality/climate-action/our-operations/capturing-landfill-gas/Pages/default.aspx
3
The City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and the Corporation of Delta have put in place a legal agreement to
share the GHG reduction credits from the Vancouver Landfill Gas Capture Optimization Project. Metro Vancouver’s
share of credits from the Vancouver Landfill Offsets Project have been allocated amongst Metro Vancouver and its
member municipalities for use in the 2015 reporting year. For more information, please refer to the 2015
Vancouver Landfill Carbon Credits Allocation Report, available at: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/airquality/climate-action/our-operations/capturing-landfill-gas/Pages/default.aspx
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
Variable
Response
Name of Local Government
Metro Vancouver
Name of member Regional District (RD)
Greater Vancouver (Metro Vancouver)
Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) in your region
Yes
Population
2,494,000 (2015)
Submitted by:
Variable
Response
Name:
Roger Quan
Position:
Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
Email:
[email protected]
Telephone Number:
604-436-6770
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Metro Vancouver’s Climate Actions 2015
May 27, 2016
APPENDIX 1: Contracted Emissions Report for Metro Vancouver
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Contracted Emissions Reporting Form for Metro Vancouver
Reporting Year: 2015
Local Government Information
Name of local
government
Metro Vancouver
Designate
Name: Roger Quan
Appointed to Sign Title:
Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
Off on Estimation Phone: 604-436-6770
Template
Email: [email protected]
Estimation Methodology Information
Rationale for
For contracts in the 2015 reporting year, fuel use was reported directly from
Applying an
contractors (“Estimation Option 1”).
Estimation
Notes:
Methodology
• Contract name = traditional service type
• Number of contracts are listed adjacent to service type in parentheses
• A total of 24 contracts and 10 contractors with multiple contracts were
eligible to be reported in 2015
Contracted Emissions
Drinking, Storm
CONTRACT NAME
and Wastewater
ESTIMATION
OPTION USED
Biosolids management (3)
1
232.3
Sewer maintenance (3)
1
0.3
Waste transport (9)
1
31.7
Watershed maintenance (8)
1
41.7
SUBTOTAL ANNUAL CONTRACTED EMISSIONS FOR
TRADITIONAL SERVICE AREA (tonnes CO2e)
Solid Waste
Collection,
Transportation
and Diversion
Misc
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL GHGS
CONTRACT NAME
ESTIMATION
OPTION USED
Waste transport (1)
1
SUBTOTAL ANNUAL CONTRACTED EMISSIONS FOR
TRADTIONAL SERVICE AREA (tonnes CO2e)
Vendors with multiple maintenance
1
contracts that add to >$25K (10)
SUBTOTAL ANNUAL CONTRACTED EMISSIONS FOR
TRADITIONAL SERVICE AREAS (tonnes CO2e)
TOTAL ESTIMATED CONTRACTED EMISSIONS FOR 2015 (tonnes CO2e)
306.0
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL GHGS
182.1
182.1
38.8
38.8
527
Estimated Contracted Emissions: Authorization and Sign Off
The information provided in this Contracted Emissions Reporting Form is to the best of my
knowledge correct and complete.
Designate Signature:
Roger Quan, Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
Date:
June 1, 2016