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! Read more
Current Projects & Initiatives
Tap by Tap Program
The Tap by Tap program is now available for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings across the region. We are targeting 3,000 residential units across the capital region between now and November 2013. This free program offers a direct way to reduce GHGs, support the green economy, and contribute to affordable housing. Please refer to the program website for more information:
Ready, Set, Solve 
Ready, Set, Solve
is a fun, applied learning challenge focused on getting post-secondary students to help solve small, but real, climate-related challenges that exist in the Capital Region. For the past two months, over 60 undergraduate students from Camosun College, University of Victoria and Royal Roads University solved one of 18 challenges posed by our region's municipalities, non-profits or institutions. Read more
Climate Action To-Go Kits 
The Climate Action To-Go Kit Program is a fun and easy way to learn about what you can do at home to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Kits are filled with tools, resources and activities to help residents take action at home and in the community. They can be borrowed from your local library now! Read more
LiveSmart BC Small Business Program
The Capital Regional District is a proud partner in the LiveSmart BC Small Business Program. Working with 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.
