The CRD signed the BC Climate Action Charter in 2008 and is taking steps to adapt, mitigate and reduce climate change impacts.
In February 2019, the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board identified Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship as a priority for the region and approved a motion to declare a climate emergency, committing to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Regional strategy
Building on the work completed in previous community and corporate strategies, CRD staff completed a comprehensive, data-driven planning process in 2021 to create a renewed Climate Action Strategy that reflects Board priorities and provides clarity on the role the CRD can play as a leader in climate action over the next five years.
The six pillars of this new plan include:
- climate-focused decision making across all CRD programs and services;
- supporting the region on its pathway to livable, affordable and low-carbon communities that are prepared for climate change;
- rapidly reducing corporate fleet emissions and supporting, endorsing and encouraging active, public and zero-emission transportation options;
- accelerating energy efficiency, emission reductions and enhanced resilience in CRD buildings and infrastructure (while supporting the same for all buildings and infrastructure across the region);
- protecting, conserving and managing ecosystem health and nature’s capacity to store carbon and adapt to climate change; and
- minimizing waste generation and resulting emissions
This strategy commits to formal tracking and reporting for a number of performance indicators and aligns with federal, provincial and local initiatives and policy directives.
The CRD Board approved the renewed Climate Action Strategy—Taking Action on the Climate Emergency (PDF) in October 2021.