Climate Change: A Strategic Priority
Climate change is a complex, multi-year challenge for our region. It is a wake-up call to a system in decline, and the future of the Capital Region – our economic structures, government policies, and culture – will be determined by how we deal with this challenge.
Addressing climate change means fundamentally re-thinking many of the big questions of civilization: where we live, how we move, what we eat, what really makes us happy. Read more 
The Regional Context
British Columbia has taken the lead by setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Schools, universities, colleges, hospitals and other public sector institutions all became carbon neutral in 2010. The 13 municipalities and 3 electoral areas in the CRD have answered the challenge to meet the obligations of the BC Climate Action Charter by 2012! Read more
Current Projects & Initiatives
Growing Solutions: Local Appetites for Climate Action
Growing Solutions is a fun and creative way to connect the food on our plates with the global climate challenge. The goal of the project is to showcase sustainable agriculture on Southern Vancouver Island and encourage individuals, organizations, businesses and communities to work together to increase food security.We are also working with Lifecycles Project Society to establish five new school gardens and delivering in-class educational workshops – offering hands on learning for students of all ages. Visit www.sustainableu.ca to learn more about the project and how the choices on our plates can protect the environment, nurture our community and support the local economy.
ClimateSmart Training for Businesses
The CRD is engaged in a partnership with the District of Saanich and City of Victoria to offer ClimateSmart training to over 50 businesses and organizations throughout 2012. The ClimateSmart program teaches participants how to measure their carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while cutting costs. Participation is open to a limited number of eligible businesses from across the capital region
. Read more
LiveSmart BC Small Business Program
The Capital Regional District is a proud partner in the new LiveSmart BC Small Business Program. Working with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce and City Green Solutions, the CRD is providing small businesses with advice on how best to save energy and money. If you are an owner or manager of a small or medium sized business in the Capital Region, you may be eligible for a free business energy assessment and financial incentives to upgrade lighting and other equipment. Read more
CRD Climate Action Program
The CRD’s Climate Action Program acts as a regional hub and facilitator on climate change issues. We work with local governments, non-profit societies, public institutions and the private sector to help reduce emissions today and plan for climates of tomorrow.
The CRD has a long history of facilitating action and inspiring change to reduce emissions including:
- Developing the Capital Region Community Energy Plan (PDF
) - Approving the Climate Change Corporate Action Plan (PDF )
- Joining with the 13 municipalities in signing the Climate Action Charter
The Climate Action Program works directly with staff and elected officials from local governments across the region to support the development and implementation of both community-wide and corporate climate action plans.
Take Action!
The major challenge is to change the way we consume energy at home, at work, and at school. Seem impossible? It’s not. There are many small steps that may seem insignificant on their own, but cumulatively add up to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Join the movement towards sustainability and make the Capital Region the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world.
