ClimateActionWR

Measuring and acting towards reducing community-wide GHG emissions

Sustainable Waterloo Region is proud to be a part of the ClimateActionWR initiative along with two other lead organizations – REEP Green Solutions and the Region of Waterloo, and through valuable collaboration with area municipalities and local electric and natural gas utilities. This initiative is building on the success of the Regional Carbon Initiative by working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to create a community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and forecast, reduction target and action plan for Waterloo Region as a whole. In 2011, ClimateActionWR – which was first referred to as the Climate Collaborative – received $180,000 in initial funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, and was recently approved for a Green Municipal Fund grant of $143,500 to further support the community action planning process.

In May of 2012, the collaborative completed a community-scale GHG emissions inventory for Waterloo Region using 2010 as a base year which also includes a 10-year emissions forecast out to the year 2020. The inventory shows the ”carbon footprint” of Waterloo Region through local energy use, traffic volume, waste sent to landfill, and some agricultural activities. This inventory and forecast will provide a solid foundation on which to develop a local action plan towards achieving a realistic yet ambitious GHG reduction target for our community.

Our current focus is on developing a community climate action plan and reduction target to propel local sustainability efforts. The action plan, when implemented, will help reduce GHG emissions as well as support Waterloo Region’s future economic development and prosperity while maintaining a clean and healthy environment and enhancing quality of life.

You have an important role to play!

Your local knowledge, progressive ideas and passion for Waterloo Region will shape the direction of this action plan. Community groups, local organizations and citizens can join the action by connecting with us online, by phone or in-person at upcoming community events.

For more information, the latest updates and to connect with interactive engagement opportunities, please visit the ClimateActionWR website, or contact Sarah Brown.