The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA), through funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and partnership with Fundamental Inc., has helped six communities complete clean growth projects.
The program brought the participating municipalities through a three-step process. First, municipalities measured their contribution to climate change by quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their operations. Second, the municipalities developed an action plan to mitigate their contribution to climate change. Finally, projects were undertaken in each municipality to kick off their climate action plans.
“Each of these projects increased the resiliency of municipal operations, decreased their contribution to climate change, and are indicative of the economic growth opportunities associated with the energy transition in our province,” said Kieran Hanley, executive director of NEIA.
The six clean energy projects included the following:
- In Baie Verte a 12.32kW solar PV array was installed at the town’s Fire Hall to utilize the province’s net metering program;
- In Bauline, a 15.4kW solar PV array was installed at the Community Centre and Town Hall to utilize the province’s net metering program;
- In Channel-Port Aux Basques, a roof retrofit for the Public Works building will increase energy efficiency, and soil testing is being undertaken at a potential brownfield re-development to understand the feasibility of using innovative bioremediation techniques;
- In Paradise, solar street lamps will be installed for the recreation area and parking lot adjacent to the Paradise Double Ice Complex which also serves as the Town’s emergency warming station;
- In Stephenville, a community-scale industrial composter has been purchased to facilitate composting within the Town; and
- In Torbay, a 13.86kW solar PV array was installed at the Town Hall to utilize the province’s net metering program.
The six municipalities have undertaken commitments to emissions reductions through peer learning, strategic planning and operational implementation, while leveraging lessons learned from communities across Canada facing similar challenges.
“Participating in this program has allowed the Town of Baie Verte to take a small step towards a greener future. The installation of solar panels at our Fire Hall will allow us to lower our energy consumption and see savings in energy costs,” said Amanda Humby, chief administrative officer of the Town of Baie Verte.
“This program has opened our eyes to how even the smallest of changes can have a big impact on climate change and we are committed to making changes that will hopefully contribute to a low carbon transition by 2050. I would highly recommend that other municipalities take advantage of similar initiatives if given the opportunity,” added Humby.
These initiatives were offered through the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, which is delivered by the FCM and funded by the Government of Canada.
“Municipalities influence half of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, making local action critical to reaching national targets,” said Garth Frizzell, president of FCM. “I’m proud to see local leaders across Canada continue to work together to build capacity and take action on climate.”
NEIA is one of 13 organizations across Canada that was selected to help build a network of communities and support them as they develop long-term plans and projects contributing to a low carbon transition by 2050.
NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For further information on NEIA, click here.
