City commits to net-zero emission target by 2050

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From BarrieToday, April 22, 2022

The City of Barrie has established a plan with actions and strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing community-wide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

On March 28, 2022, Barrie city council approved the Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, entitled Inspiring Climate Action in Barrie. The plan establishes ambitious targets, including a commitment to achieve net-zero emission by 2050.

“This plan will help the community better understand current energy consumption, identify energy efficiency opportunities, and help meet the community’s climate priorities,” said Adam McMullin, manager of energy management. “Together, we can collectively re-imagine the way we travel, work, and play to maximize the positive benefits to our environment, health, economy – making Barrie a better place to live for everyone.”

Without further climate action, Barrie’s community energy use is estimated to increase by 36 per cent by 2050, and GHG emissions are expected to increase by 40 per cent by 2050, compared to 2018 levels.

Barrie aims to reduce overall GHG emissions 45 per cent below 2018 levels by 2030 and to become net-zero by 2050. To achieve these targets, strategies and actions have been developed that are tailored to the Barrie community.

The plan was developed with extensive public and stakeholder engagement. A stakeholder advisory group was established, comprised of membership representing local conservation authorities, school boards, utility companies, council, city staff, environmental organizations, local health care services, post-secondary institutions, and the construction & development industry.

Staff also engaged the public through multiple surveys and virtual public information meetings.

To view the full Community Energy & Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, visit www.barrie.ca/EnergyEfficiency.

Read the article here