Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
A significant way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to climate change, is through the implementation of energy conservation measures. City staff continue to investigate ways to decrease energy consumption while maintaining services, ultimately saving money and reducing the City's impact on local air quality.
Community interest in energy conservation peaked in August 2003 following a blackout which affected 50 million people in Ontario and the northeastern states. To mark the second anniversary, the Woodstock Environmental Advisory Committee and Woodstock Hydro challenged the City of Woodstock to participate in a Voluntary Blackout Day on Sunday, August 14, 2005. The result was a 4% reduction in energy usage and almost a 5% reduction in peak demand for the day.
Woodstock City Council extended a friendly challenge to all municipalities in the Province of Ontario to join Woodstock and surpass a reduction of 4% electricity consumption within their respective communities on Sunday, August 13, 2006. The City of Burlington accepted the challenge. Mayor MacIsaac chose to participate on Monday, August 14, 2006 to provide an opportunity for businesses to participate.
On Monday, August 14, 2006, City Hall was powered by a bio-diesel generator for four hours. In addition, lights were dimmed, air conditioning temperatures were raised and staff were encouraged to use the stairs instead of the elevator. Residents were also encouraged to follow basic conservation tips including increasing air conditioning settings, using ceiling fans, closing drapes and blinds, turning off unnecessary lights, using a microwave oven instead of the stove, washing clothes in cold water, installing compact florescent lights, and filling dishwashers and washing machines to capacity.
On September 15, 2006, Peter Love, the Ontario Conservation Bureau's Chief Conservation Officer will formally announce the winners at a ceremony in Woodstock, as well as recognize and thank all municipalities and those customers who so eagerly embraced this challenge.
In 2002, the City of Burlington joined Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by municipalities. In 2004, staff completed an inventory of corporate and community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet the first milestone of five in the program. Future steps include developing a Corporate Action Plan, a Community Action Plan and setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For further information on any of these topics, please see below.