Niagara Region shooting for ‘net-zero’ greenhouse gases by 2050
Published May 23, 2023 at 7:45 pm
Niagara is banking on the pledge that in 27 years – by 2050 – the entire region will be emitting “net-zero corporate greenhouse gases.”
Achieving net-zero emissions means businesses either emits no greenhouse gas emissions or offsets its emissions, for example, through actions such as tree planting or employing technologies that can capture carbon before it is released into the air.
This target will support action on climate change mitigation and align Niagara Region with other municipalities working towards Canada’s net-zero carbon emissions plan, also set for 2050.
The region’s five-step framework uses milestones to help reduce emissions and combat climate change. To date, the Niagara has successfully achieved two of the five corporate milestones, including a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for corporate operations and setting a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.
“In order for Niagara Region to effectively address and mitigate the real and growing impacts of climate change, it is imperative that these corporate targets are fully integrated into our decision-making processes and operations across the organization,” said Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley.
“Affirming our pledge to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is yet another step we are taking to demonstrate our commitment to combating climate change. It is our hope that other organizations across the region will join us in our efforts in limiting our contributions to climate change in Niagara.”
The greenhouse gas emissions inventory showed that Niagara Region spent about $18.4 million on energy in 2018. This inventory included emissions generated by buildings, outdoor lighting and traffic signals, water and wastewater, operational waste and fleet.
The corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction target sets the foundation and direction for the Region’s emissions reduction efforts. In 2023, the Region will begin work on a Corporate Climate Action Strategy to support determining a pathway to net-zero.