Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative
Revised February 20th, 2012. Published June 16th, 2009.
The Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative details the official reduction framework, reporting procedure, and GHG accounting methodology that is used for all Pledging Partners. This 70-page document is the outcome of several months of intensive research that involved analysis of industry precedents and climate change science, as well as consultations with:
- Key community stakeholders
- GHG Services Professionals
- Two community-based working groups that met on a regular basis and was comprised of representatives from industry, local government, academics and environmental NGOs
2011 Report: Published April 2012.
Sustainable Waterloo Region’s 2011 Report celebrates the achievements and commitments of RCI members. Here you can read more about the people of action in our community who are making strategic decisions to reduce our Region’s greenhouse gas emissions by 42,550 tonnes.
2010 Report: Published March 2011
The 2010 Report, Sustainable Waterloo Region’s second, celebrates the progress of the 29 members RCI that joined before the end of 2010. The theme of the 2010 Report is “Celebrating a Community Built on Action”.
2009 Report: Published March 2010.
The 2009 Report, Sustainable Waterloo Region’s first, provided the opportunity to celebrate the commitments of our first 10 members of the RCI, as well as the early leadership shown collectively by members across Waterloo Region.
Milestone Guide: Published December 2009.
The Milestone Guide provides a suggested roadmap for organizations to move deliberately through the Regional Carbon Initiative. Within, the roles of both the members and Sustainable Waterloo Region are summarized and a recommended four step procedure is outlined for members to follow.
RCI Framework Advisory Committee Decision on How to Update Electricity Emission Factors
Published Feb 6th, 2012.
Electricity emission factors change over time as our electricity
generation changes from fossil fuel intense coal energy to ‘cleaner’ sources of energy such as hydro, solar and wind. Environment Canada provides updates to these emission factors yearly, but the emission factors apply to electricity produced three years ago. The RCI Framework Advisory Committee was tasked with determining the best way to incorporate changing electricity emission factors into the carbon accounting tool. This document summarizes the decision making approach and criteria used by the RCI Framework Advisory Committee to conclude this issue.
Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative
Revised December 22nd, 2010. Published June 16th, 2009.
The Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative details the official reduction framework, reporting procedure, and GHG accounting methodology that is used for all Pledging Partners. This 70-page document is the outcome of several months of intensive research that involved analysis of industry precedents and climate change science, as well as consultations with:
- Key community stakeholders
- GHG Services Professionals
- Two community-based working groups that met on a regular basis and was comprised of representatives from industry, local government, academics and environmental NGOs
Calculating GHG emissions from Water Use & Collection in Waterloo Region
Published April 29th, 2010.
This document details the methods, assumptions, and limitations of collecting water-based greenhouse gas emission factors in Waterloo Region. This emission factor is applied within the Regional Carbon Initiative Reduction Framework and referenced in Appendix 10 in the Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative.
Calculating GHG Emissions From Personal Vehicle Travel
Published April 1st, 2010.
Calculating GHG Emissions From Personal Vehicle Travel details the methods, assumptions, and limitations in calculating the personal vehicle emission factors used within the Regional Carbon Initiative Reduction Framework. This document is referenced in Appendix 8 in the Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative
Limits on Renewable Energy Credits
Published July 25th, 2010.
This document articulates the issue and answer to the question: how should the Regional Carbon Initiative treat Renewable Energy Credits? This change was included in version 1.4 of the Guide to the Regional Carbon Initiative.
Carbon Reduction Options Paper
Published March 31st, 2009
In March 2009, we provided for public download Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Carbon Reduction Options Paper, the outcome of intensive research that involved consultations with key stakeholders, an analysis of industry precedents, regular meetings of an Internal Working Group, and syntheses of climate change science. It was meant to provide our External Working Group with the informational basis and decision points from which to consider and choose an ambitious, yet realistic, carbon reduction framework for organizations that will participate in Sustainable Waterloo’s Regional Carbon Initiative. This document is still available for public download.
Overview of the Regional Carbon Initiative (1 page)
Published September 10th, 2009.
Updated October 29th, 2012.
This document provides a general overview of the Regional Carbon Initiative including the services and resources provided to members.
Overview of the Regional Carbon Initiative (4 pages)
Published June 16th, 2009.
This document provides a general overview of the business case for becoming a Pledging Partner, the services and resources provided to Pledging Partners, and associated fees.