Best Practices
Equilibrium Green Home Project generates its own power.
Kamploops BC is home to one of the most energy-efficient homes in the world. The newly built 3,000 square foot home is so efficient, builders predict that annual energy costs will be zero. Using solar power technology, geothermal and hot water recovery, the home's green technologies cost an additional $100,000. It is expected that these costs will go down as green technology is more widely adopted.
Read article in Vancouver Sun here.
Community Energy Association releases its 2010 Funding and Resource Guide
The Community Energy Association has just released a guide providing information on over 60 funding programs and resources that provide financial and educational support to Bc local governments and climate change initiatives.
To access the guide click here.
2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards Competition
Reminder ... The August 20 application deadline for 2010 Energy and Climate Action Awards is fast approaching!
The Community Energy Association, in partnership with the Union of BC Municipalities, Province of British Columbia and BC Hydro, is pleased to invite all BC local governments to participate in the 2010 Energy & Climate Action Awards competition. The awards celebrate leadership shown by local governments taking action on climate change and sustainable energy and are offered annually to a municipality or regional district implementing a project or program that best integrates energy and climate action into community planning and development or corporate operations.
Past winners have come from all sizes of communities - leadership demonstrated to overcome challenges is an important judging criterion. Please download the electronic application from the Community Energy Association website at www.communityenergy.bc.ca. Applications must be submitted electronically to awards@communityenergy.bc.ca by 5pm Friday, August 20.
Winners will be announced at the end of the Cabinet Panel Session on Wednesday, September 29, 4:15 pm at the Union of BC Municipalities 2010 Convention in Whistler.
Whistler's BioBlitz Uncovers Several New Species
Whistler's annual BioBlitz invites local and non-local scientists to participate in a species treasure hunt. Scientists snap photos and collect samples of species found in the Whistler Resort area. This year's event resulted in a collection of over 700 plant and animal species and 100 of them are thought to be new. Read more here.Portland's Pearl District Provides Affordable Housing to Local Residents
Gentrification of a neighbourhood usually results in displacement of low-income residents, but the revitalization of Portland's Pearl District avoided that outcome by building a substantial amount of affordable housing. The result is a vibrant, mixed income community. Read more here.
BC Targets Industry in Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BC will be joining 10 other provinces and states in developing a cap and trade system that will reward companies who reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions while imposing financial penalties on companies who continue to exceed emission limits.
While cap and trade is viewed as an important strategy in ghg emssions reduction, critics argue the continued expansion of BC's oil and gas sector will contribute to an overall increase in GHG emissions.
Read "BC moves to hit industrial air polluters where it hurts," in Vancouver Sun
Read "BC's dishonesty on climate change" in Vancouver Sun
Toronto Makes Room for Bike Parking
Green Builders Consider the Benefits of Green Roofs, White Roofs
Green builders are currently examing the environmental benefits of different roofing systems, focusing much of their research on white roofs and green roofs. While green roofs are expensive, test sites in New York City have shown that green roofs are very effective at reducing the urban heat island effect, absorbing stormwater and keeping buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. Read more here.A Tale of Three CIties
Recent study by the Neptis Foundation studies three very different trends in city planning and growth. The study examines Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Canadian Opera Company is Abuzz with Bees
The Canadian Opera Company in Toronto is doing their part to stop the decline of bee populations in North America. They have installed two honey bee hives on the roof of their building. Recent studies have shown that urban bees often fare better than their rural counterparts due to lower pesticide exposure. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Michael Posner
From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, May. 19, 2010
