LiveSmart BC - Blog
June 9, 2011
Energy innovation and conservation in the Public Sector
When it comes to addressing climate change (and rethinking how we make and use energy), everyone has a role to play. From personal conservation measures, to large infrastructure projects, we can all help shape our energy future.
Leading Change
Notably, the government is setting an example and keeping its own carbon footprint as small as possible. In fact, the B.C. public sector is legislated to be carbon neutral for 2010 - the only one in North America.
The commitment to ensure carbon neutral operations will touch close to 300,000 staff directly and 1.6 million students. Everyone in B.C. who attends school, visits a government office or goes to the hospital will soon know they are in a carbon neutral facility.
Demonstrating the Future
While public sector operations must offset emissions to become carbon neutral, the first step is to reduce emissions as much as possible. As part of this effort, the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) has put $75 million towards energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy projects. Over three years it has supported 247 projects, created an estimated 500 jobs, saved taxpayers $12.6 million annually and reduced GHG emissions by 35,600 tonnes.
From solar panels to biomass gasification plants - we are showing how it's done.
Supporting Citizen Action
Public sector leadership on climate action paves the way for individual action. Public servants are changing their mindsets and behaviour and carrying this home and to their communities. The Climate Action Secretariat also provides resources through LiveSmart BC for citizens to become informed about energy conservation and emission reduction options.
It is important to inform dialogue as the province moves toward a shared vision of opportunity and action in our communities, businesses and homes. You can join the conversaton @LiveSmartBCca on Twitter and learn about the latest options for reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Recent Posts
2011
••►King Tides Inspire Adaptation
••►Clean Energy Vehicles – The long wait is over...
••►Introducing the Beckett Electric Truck
••►Make it a Green Autumn on the Road
••►BC Expert Climate Professors Launch Online Learning Presentation for Public Education
••►ecoENERGY Program Doubles Incentives Available from LiveSmartBC
••►Free Home Energy Assessments in the CRD when "EnerGuide for Houses" efficiency label posted on MLS®
••►B.C. government announces carbon neutrality
••►B.C. Public Sector green leadership recognised
••►LiveSmart BC: Programs for You
••►Energy innovation and conservation in the Public Sector
••►Resource Page for LiveSmartBC Contractors
••►LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program
••►Earth Hour, March 26
2010
••►New Standards for Energy Efficient Light Bulbs in Effect on January 1st
••►King Tides, Living Cities
••►Helping Small Businesses Go Green and Save
••►Apps 4 Climate Action
••►Climate Action for the 21st Century
