Carbon Neutral Government
The B.C. government is setting an example and working to ensure that its operations are carbon neutral for 2010 and every year thereafter. This commitment – enshrined in legislation – is the first of its kind in North America. It applies to all provincial public sector operations, including government ministries and agencies, schools, colleges, universities, health authorities and Crown corporations.
Public sector emissions come from buildings, fleet, procurement and travel (core government only). By providing public sector employees with tangible changes they can make, we will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the public sector, conserve energy, decrease costs and demonstrate a successful approach to addressing climate change.
As part of this commitment, everyone who works for the Province will be required to:
- Measure their greenhouse gas emissions;
- Reduce these emissions as much as possible;
- Offset the remaining emissions by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so the net effect of government activities is carbon neutral; and
- Report out publicly on plans and actions to reduce emissions.
More than 150 public sector organizations (PSOs) have planned and implemented a wide range of programs and initiatives to conserve energy and save money. Getting to Carbon Neutral, the first public report on the actions PSOs have taken to achieve carbon neutral for 2010, is now available online.
The commitment to ensure carbon neutral operations will touch close to 300,000 staff directly and 1.6 million students. By 2010, everyone in B.C. who attends school, visits a government office or goes to the hospital will know they are in a carbon neutral facility. Through carbon neutral government, British Columbians will learn how to take action and will see first-hand the benefits of a low carbon lifestyle.
Click here for an overview of the B.C. government's carbon neutral achievements, to date.
