City of Edmonton adopts new sustainability policy for its buildings
Jun. 23/21
Change for Climate is a climate change initiative from the City of Edmonton.
Jun. 23/21
Change for Climate is a climate change initiative from the City of Edmonton.
On June 10, the City of Edmonton approved six new procedures that will ensure its buildings are carbon neutral by 2040.
A sustainable path for our buildings
The Climate Resilient Building Administrative Procedures are a set of six procedures that provide direction on how City buildings are expected to be built, operated, rehabilitated, acquired, leased and funded with respect to climate resilience.
These procedures will ensure that:
- Newly constructed buildings are built to an emission neutral standard
- A plan is created to retrofit existing buildings to an emission neutral standard
- Buildings are continually improved for increased climate resilience
Why do our buildings need to be climate resilient?
We are already seeing the consequences of climate change. Edmonton is one of the fastest warming regions in the world and the science shows that our climate is expected to change even more significantly into the future.
Our buildings are responsible for nearly 50% of the corporation's greenhouse gas emissions and this newly approved Climate Resilience Policy and Procedures puts Edmonton on a path to reducing emissions.
For every degree of warming, there are significant economic and social costs for Edmonton. The Policy demonstrates our commitment to climate solution leadership and provides some assurance that City infrastructure will enjoy reduced operating costs, and be able to withstand climate impacts that are modeled for the region, including hailstorms, flooding and damage from high winds. Climate resilient structures can help to limit damage and result in cost savings too.
Leading by example
The Kinsmen Sports Centre recently received a BOMA BEST Bronze award for excellence in energy and environmental performance. BOMA BEST is a sustainability assessment program designed for existing buildings that emphasizes continuous improvement. Planned retrofits will very likely lead to a Silver—or higher—recognition in a few years. Currently, staff at the Kinsmen are being recognized for their commitment to developing an energy management plan with energy use reduction targets; a water management plan; a commitment to monitor indoor air quality; a plan to reduce solid waste and much more.
With thoughtful determination, staff show that it’s possible to transform our buildings to meet standards that reflect a need to withstand a changing climate while reducing emissions.
Congratulations to the team of building operators who helped the sports centre join a growing list of City of Edmonton buildings that have been BOMA BEST certified.
