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Carbon Neutral BC

^NEW 2011 Carbon Neutral Action Reports are now available: click here to learn more.

Plus: View the 2011 highlights booklet:
 Carbon Neutral B.C.
- Leading Change & Inspiring Action in B.C.’s Public Sector (PDF/1.1MB).

British Columbia is at the forefront of the fight against climate change and with 2010 became the first major jurisdiction in North America (possibly the world) to achieve carbon neutral operations. This means that B.C.’s entire public sector including schools, post-secondary institutions, government offices, Crown corporations and hospitals have all achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. For a quick summary, read Carbon Neutral Government Overview (PDF/1.7MB).

View the 2010 highlights booklet: Carbon Neutral B.C. - Transforming B.C.’s Public Sector (PDF/3.7MB).

B.C.’s approach balances the costs of credible measurement with achieving energy savings and GHG reduction outcomes. Through engaging the public sector in conservation, we have saved money, reduced carbon pollution, and inspired our students, staff and the public to take climate action.

Why become carbon neutral?

Carbon neutrality is about organizations understanding and reducing energy use and taking responsibility for 100 per cent of the carbon pollution they generate. 

Recognizing that the majority of energy use is in buildings, government created the $75 million Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement in 2007. To date the program has funded 247 projects and is saving taxpayers $12.6 million annually.

Through carbon neutrality B.C.’s public sector is transforming – finding new opportunities and implementing ideas that leapfrog from old inefficient technologies to a new sustainable paradigm.

Note: For details regarding the Carbon Neutral Government engagement, please visit the Ministry of Environment's Carbon Neutral page.