RCI Impact

Regional Carbon Initiative (RCI) members are part of a community of Waterloo Region organizations working toward more sustainable operations with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. In one year, Regional Carbon Initiative membership has grown by almost 200%. A growing membership means more GHG reduction commitments and more sustainability-focused projects.

RCI Snapshot

• 35 Regional Carbon Initiative members
• 1,677 tonnes of total GHG reduction commitments (as of March 2011)
• 270 tonnes of total GHGs reduced by members (as of March 2011)
• 115 sustainability-focused projects reported by members in 2010:

Example Sustainability Projects:

RCI members are getting to work implementing projects that result in a positive impact on the environment, while also reducing costs and increasing their competitiveness. Here are the types of projects they’ve started:

• 20% of projects undertaken by members were designed to reduce commuting and business travel through:

• Purchasing video conferencing equipment
• Encouraging carpooling
• Offering discount bus passes & hybrid vehicle subsidies
• 18% of projects undertaken by members are focused on identifying equipment efficiencies to reduce GHG emissions: either smart technologies like timers & sensors that limit energy consumption when not in use, or upgrades to existing equipment, like machinery, boilers, and insulation
• 14% of projects undertaken by members are based on waste reduction to reduce emissions, the top targets being: bottled water, paper towel and printing paper
• 11% of projects undertaken by members are focused on lighting upgrades, for example replacing metal halide and fluorescent T12 bulbs with fluorescent T5 bulbs
• 10% of projects were based on sustainable procurement, while another 10% were focused on heating and cooling systems through the installation of programmable thermostats and energy-efficient windows
• 9% of projects undertaken by members entail building upgrades such as HVAC upgrades and window replacements
• 4% of member projects were focused on establishing a GHG baseline.

In 2009, 56% of members thought joining the RCI improved their organization’s reputation. In 2010, that number jumped to 86%. The Waterloo Region continues to take climate change seriously and our members are seeing the benefits. The best is yet to come, and the pieces are in place to ensure we continue to increase the impact created by this ambitious community.