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FROM
VISION TO
Region of Durham
Community Climate Change
Local Action Plan 2012
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2600.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 1
What is this document?
This document represents the results of a three-year process The Region of Durham developed this plan in two phases.
to develop a Community Climate Change Local Action Plan This document combines Phase 1 and Phase 2 into a
(LAP) for Durham. The Regional Municipality of Durham Community LAP that was approved and recommended by
has led this process on behalf of the Durham community, the DRRCC and subsequently received by Regional Council
under the direction of the Durham Region Roundtable on October 10, 2012.
on Climate Change (DRRCC). The Region of Durham is
That was the easy part. We must now move forward to
a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’
further develop, approve and fully implement potential
(FCM) Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program,
programs identified in this plan. Only then will the Region
and with this report has completed milestone three of the
of Durham be achieving its vision of being a “carbon-
five milestone PCP program—the production of a LAP on
neutral, sustainable, prosperous and resilient community
climate change.
with a high quality of life.”
Terms and acronyms
Adaptation. . . . . . . . . . . . the ability of a system to adjust to GHG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greenhouse gas
climate change to moderate GJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gigajoules
potential damage IPCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intergovernmental Panel on
CO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . carbon dioxide Climate Change
DPPG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Durham Partners in Project Green ICI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . industrial, commercial and
DRRCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Durham Region Roundtable on institutional (sectors of the economy)
Climate Change LAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Local Action Plan
DSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Durham Sustain Ability MW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . megawatt
Durham Region/Region. . . The Regional Municipality of Durham Mitigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . actions to decrease the emissions
Durham region/Durham . . the geographic area that cause climate change
eCO2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . equivalent carbon dioxide OPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ontario Power Authority
FCM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federation of Canadian ppm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . parts per million
Municipalities PCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Partners for Climate Protection
FIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ontario Power Authority’s UOIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Ontario Institute
Feed-in-Tariff program of Technology
2
Table of contents
Table of contents
Forewords by the Regional Chair and Chief Executive Appendices
Officer, and the Chair of the Durham Region Roundtable
A. Membership of the Durham Region Roundtable
on Climate Change.
on Climate Change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
1. The need for community action on climate change . . . 6 B. List of contributors to the LAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2. Context and background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 C. Climate change science and the IPCC . . . . . . . . . 55
3. Potential programs by theme/sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
a. Built environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
b. Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
c. Food system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
d. Natural systems and resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
e. Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
f. Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
g. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. Impacts and co-benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
a. Environmental impacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
b. Economic impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
c. Social impacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
5. LAP implementation strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6. Adaptation to climate change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
7. Next steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 3
Message from the Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
with direction “to position the Region The best way to tackle climate change
of Durham as a leader in addressing is together. This plan recognizes that
climate change issues by preparing local residents, businesses, institutions
and recommending a comprehensive and municipalities all have a role to
strategy with detailed actions that can play as we “think globally and act
be undertaken across the region to locally” to protect our environment
address climate change.” The roles and quality of life.
of DRRCC include education about
Yours truly,
climate change, input to policy
development, setting goals, overseeing
Municipalities around the world are a corporate response, undertaking
being affected by extreme weather outreach and advocacy, creating Roger Anderson
and other challenges resulting from a community plan and working Regional Chair and
climate change. As providers of collaboratively with area municipalities. Chief Executive Officer
infrastructure, drinking water, emergency
Over the past three years, the DRRCC
services, snow ploughing and other
has co-ordinated a process and
community services, our facilities,
consulted widely to create a practical,
operations and budgets are directly
community-supported, citizen-driven
affected by these shifting patterns.
action plan that is presented in this
Durham recognized that it needed document. The DRRCC worked hard
a plan to mitigate and adapt to the to advance a plan that is community-
effects of climate change and extreme focused, and builds on activities and
weather on our region. To this end, in efforts being undertaken by area
2009 The Regional Council of Durham municipalities and other community
established the Durham Region partners.
Roundtable on Climate Change (DRRCC)
4
Foreword
Message from the Chair of
the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change
Thinking globally means that we Regional Council subsequently
must be aware of the worldwide adopted as our targets the deep
changes in climate that are underway, cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
and their direct and indirect impacts that the scientific community tells
on Durham. In 2009, Regional us are necessary to avoid runaway
Council unanimously adopted the climate change.
position that:
Acting locally means that intellectual
“Scientific evidence overwhelmingly awareness and agreement are not
supports the conclusion that human enough. We all must act and lead.
activities are fundamentally altering While local governments can influence Don Mitchell
the conditions for life on earth. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, we
Climate change and associated global need the commitment and contribution
warming is recognized as a severe of all residents and businesses to
threat to global systems with the achieve our DRRCC vision. Regional Councillor
potential for catastrophic outcomes.” Chair of the Durham Region
Our children will thank us. Roundtable on Climate Change
[Joint Committee Report 2009-J-37]
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 5
The need
for community action on
climate change
6
The need for community action on climate change
The climate is changing What is causing climate
change?
Weather records confirm that temperatures around the
world, and here in Durham, are getting warmer. Scientific
The greatest contributor to human-caused climate change
sources state that the average global temperature has risen is carbon dioxide created by the burning of fossil fuels:
almost 1°C over the last 50 years, and in Canada it has coal, oil and natural gas (source: Intergovernmental Panel
risen 1.5°C over the last 64 years, with 2010 being 3°C on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report). Currently
above normal (source: Environment Canada). fossil fuels constitute about 85% of energy supply worldwide
While that may not seem like a big change given the daily (source: United States Energy Information Administration).
and seasonal variations in weather, it is quite a significant Other gases, such as methane, water vapour, ozone, nitrous
change in average temperature. Along with the increase oxide and chlorofluorocarbons, and other sources such
in temperatures, we have seen changes in precipitation, as forest fires, deforestation, agricultural and industrial
extreme weather, and more frequent and severe storms. practices also contribute to the increase of GHGs in the
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate atmosphere. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere
Change (IPCC), climate change is predicted to accelerate through the Greenhouse Effect.
due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases
(GHGs) in the atmosphere. Many scientists predict an
average global temperature increase of 5 to 6°C in this
century, which could cause significant damage to our
environment, economy and society. The scientific community
has established a goal of limiting global average CO2 and other gases in
temperature rise to no more than 2°C, in order to prevent the atmosphere trap heat,
the worst effects of climate change. Appendix C contains a keeping the earth warm.
summary of climate science and the recommendations of Some sunlight that hits
the IPCC that was endorsed by Durham Region Council on the earth is reflected.
Sept. 23, 2009. Some becomes heat.
The Greenhouse Effect
7
What are the implications? What is the municipal role?
Most among us have enjoyed the recent mild winters in Cities, towns and regions in Canada have the jurisdiction
Durham. Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose among to directly or indirectly influence activities accounting for
the implications of climate change. It’s a package deal. 44% of GHG emissions in Canada, according to a study
Together with the mild winters, we will have hotter, drier by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). This
summers, droughts, extreme storms, more smog days, includes management of their own activities that produce
health impacts, and all manner of economic, environmental GHGs (energy consumption, waste management, etc.)
and social threats caused directly or indirectly by the global plus policy direction; influence and funding over issues like
changes triggered by a warming climate. Many experts public transit, roads, urban design, economic development
consider climate change the greatest threat to human and building design; and other factors that determine energy
society in the 21st century—and solving it the greatest consumption and GHG emissions in the community. Cities
economic opportunity of the century (The Stern Report). around the world, such as London, Chicago, Boston and
Portland have been among the leaders in climate protection
What can be done? and Vancouver and Toronto here in Canada have also been
very dedicated. Departments in The Regional Municipality
Federally, provincially and locally, we have to reduce of Durham have embedded climate considerations in their
our GHG emissions by improving energy efficiency and business planning cycle.
conservation measures, and investing in alternative forms
of energy. Other measures such as reforming agricultural
and land-use practices, increasing forestation to capture
carbon and reinventing industrial processes are also
important. There are economic instruments, such as
carbon charges and cap-and-trade programs that could
be implemented to promote the decisions and behaviours
necessary. In order to limit global average temperature
increases to less than 2°C, global GHG emissions must be
reduced by about 80% by 2050 (source: IPCC). This is the
long-term target adopted by the Region of Durham.
8
The need for community action on climate change
What is the Why should
community role? the Durham
community act?
Of all the GHG emissions from
Durham region, only four per cent
By positioning Durham as a leader
come directly from The Regional
in tackling climate change, we have
Municipality of Durham (Regional
the opportunity to influence other
facilities, bus and vehicle fleets,
municipalities to do the same. The
water and sewage treatment, traffic
implementation of the potential
signals and landfill emissions). As
programs in this report would also
shown in Figure 1, the other 96% of
increase economic activity, create new
emissions result from the community
businesses and enhance our quality
(transportation, homes, industries,
of life in the region. It is important to
businesses and institutional buildings).
have collaboration with, and collective
In addition to managing its own GHG
and co-ordinated effort by the
emissions, The Regional Municipality
community and government.
of Durham, through Council direction,
is taking a leadership role in community Durham aims to be a contributor
action for climate protection. to reducing global climate change.
We urge our federal, provincial and
Community 96% municipal partners, who also have key
roles to play, to follow our example.
Corporate 4% Figure 1: GHG Emissions
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 9
Context
and background
10Context and background
What are Durham’s Where do the emissions
GHG emissions? come from?
In 2009, the Region of Durham commissioned an inventory Most of the GHG emissions in Durham result directly
of community GHG emissions, which estimated emissions for from energy consumption (e.g. natural gas, gasoline and
four years (2005 to 2008) and projected emissions to 2020, diesel) or indirectly through the generation of electricity. A
based on a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario (refer to small portion of local GHG emissions come from methane
Figure 2). The year 2007 was selected as the base year for released by landfill sites and from sewage treatment. Other
setting targets and measuring progress because it was minor sources of GHGs in Durham come from agricultural
relatively representative in terms of economic activity. The and industrial sources. The sources of energy consumption
energy costs for this period are on average $1.3 billion per are shown in Figure 3. The sources of GHG emissions by
year, and could be as high as $1.8 billion in a BAU scenario. sector are shown in Figure 4, and by source in Figure 5.
90,000 6,000
Industrial, Commercial
and Institutional 46.0%
eCO2 emissions (Thousand tonnes)
80,000
BASE YEAR 5,000
Energy use (Thousand GJ)
70,000
60,000 4,000
50,000
3,000
40,000
30,000 2,000 Transportation
20,000 18.5%
1,000
10,000 Residential
0 0
35.4%
2005 2006 2007 2008 2020
(Business As Usual)
Figure 2: Summary of energy consumption and eCO2 emissions Figure 3: 2007 Energy consumption by source
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 11Industrial, Commercial
and Institutional 42.1%
How can emissions be reduced?
Residential We can reduce emissions by:
32.0% Transportation
22.4% • Substituting non-carbon forms of energy
(renewable energy and nuclear) for fossil fuels.
• Reducing energy consumption through energy
conservation and efficiency.
Community Possible energy strategies include:
Waste 3.5%
• Stimulating the retrofit of buildings and processes to
Figure 4: 2007 eCO2 emissions by sector conserve energy.
• Promoting energy-efficient, new construction
of buildings.
• Promoting energy-efficient modes of transportation
together with energy-efficient and alternative
Natural Gas 42%
fuel vehicles.
• Promoting and installing renewable forms of
energy generation.
Electricity • Designing our communities to reduce energy
23%
consumption and increasingly using community
energy systems.
Gasoline
16% Community Possible non-energy strategies include:
Waste 4%
Diesel Fuel Oil
10% Propane • Reducing emissions from solid waste through further
3%
2% diversion and alternative treatment of residual waste
(including energy from waste).
Figure 4: 2007 eCO2 emissions by source • Planting trees and reforming agricultural practices to
sequester carbon.
• Increasing local food production and use.
12Context and background
What has been the process to Vision
produce a LAP? “Durham Region is a carbon-neutral, sustainable,
prosperous and resilient community with a
The Durham Region Roundtable on high quality of life”
Climate Change (DRRCC)
This vision statement establishes carbon neutrality as
The DRRCC was established in 2008 as a committee of an aggressive, long-term goal (meaning that all GHG
Durham Region Council with the goal: emissions generated directly or indirectly by Durham less
those sequestered in forests, stored or offset in other ways
“To position the Region of Durham as a leader in sum to zero). This goal is balanced by the simultaneous
addressing climate change issues by preparing objectives of making Durham region sustainable
and recommending a comprehensive strategy with (environmentally, economically and socially), prosperous
detailed actions that can be undertaken across (implying a diversified and high-performance economy),
the region to address climate change.” resilient to future pressures and shocks (both climate-related
The DRRCC is composed of the Regional Chair and and otherwise) while maintaining a high quality of life
Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, for its residents.
four Regional Councillors and a number of community
representatives (refer to Appendix A).
The DRRCC began work in 2009, and its early efforts focused
on the establishment of a vision, mission and targets.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 13Mission Targets
“To work with our community to develop and advocate (Adopted by Regional Council on June 2, 2010)
innovative policies, strategies and actions that address • 5% reduction by 2015
the threat of climate change.” • 20% reduction by 2020
The implication in this mission is that the Durham community • 80% reduction by 2050
(not just Regional government) should develop, promote
These are absolute targets (not intensity-based targets) and
and deliver, through partnerships, a set of strategic and
are measured against 2007 baseline emissions. These
high-leverage interventions and programs that will have
targets are consistent with the levels of GHG emission
significant impact on both mitigation (reducing our GHG
reduction that the international scientific community
emissions) and adaptation to the effects of climate change.
(through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)
maintains are necessary to limit global warming to 2°C and
prevent catastrophic climate change. For Durham, they are
milestones on the path to carbon neutrality.
Figure 5: Current projections and future targets
BASE
YEAR
2007 2015 2020 2050
3,880 3,686 3,104 BASE LINE 776
4,000
5%
Thousand tonnes eCO2
20%
3,000
80%
2,000
1,000
0
2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
14Context and background
Local Action Plan - Phase 1 Local Action Plan - Phase 2
During summer 2010, community The focus in Phase 2 during summer
stakeholders were engaged in a 2011 was on potential programs for
consultation process, which endorsed implementation to achieve the vision
the vision, targets and identified and targets. Contributors to Phase 2
themes, sectors, goals and objectives. are listed in Appendix B.
Contributors to Phase 1 are listed in
The Progress Report on Phase 2
Appendix B.
(as of July 29, 2011) is available on
The Climate Change Local Action the Region of Durham website at:
Plan – Phase 1 was adopted by
http://www.durham.ca/community/
Regional Council on March 9, 2011,
climate_change/reports/DurhamLAP2.pdf
and is available at:
The Draft LAP was reviewed by Phase 1
http://www.durham.ca/community/
and 2 stakeholders during summer
climate_change/reports/DurhamLAP.pdf
2012 for accuracy, completeness
and community appeal. Relevant
comments received were incorporated
into this version of the LAP.
The timeline for Phase 1, Phase 2
and future program approvals is
represented in Figure 6: Process
diagram for Region of Durham
Community Climate Change Local
Action Plan.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 15Potential
programs
16Potential programs
Introduction
This set of potential programs represents initiatives It is important to recognize that each program within the
identified and endorsed by stakeholders and community plan will require subsequent development and individual
representatives across the region. Together, these approval by Regional Council before being implemented
18 potential programs constitute a Climate Change in the years ahead. Not all of these potential programs
Local Action Plan (LAP) that can be characterized as: will necessarily be approved and launched.
• Ambitious The 18 programs presented here are organized by the six
• Strategic themes identified in Phase 1 of the LAP, with the addition of
a seventh general theme.
• High-leverage
• Effective in reducing GHG emissions
• Attractive to the Durham community by producing
environmental, economic and social co-benefits
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 17Built environment Potential programs:
theme BE1: Durham Partners in Project
Green (DPPG)
Goal:
Support a sustainable built environment
in ways that reduce GHG emissions
through design, technology, education
Develop a Durham version of Partners
and stewardship.
in Project Green (PPG) for the industrial
Objectives: and commercial business community in
Durham. This program will initially offer: transportation (goods and employees),
• Facilitate implementation of
solid waste reduction, by-product
compact urban form and, • Referral services to utility energy
synergies, renewable energy production,
by extension, sustainable efficiency assessments and
green procurement, green parking lots
transportation through methods financial incentives.
and district energy facilities. The
and approaches such as policy
• Procurement assistance (e.g. the program will be supported by local
development, increased density,
Green Purchasing Alliance). electrical and gas utilities, municipal
infill development, brownfield
• Training courses. governments and business associations,
development and urban design.
and will be managed and delivered
• Encourage sustainable building • Networking opportunities.
by a local community organization,
technologies in new projects • Access to PPG database and Durham Sustain Ability (DSA).
and retrofits. case studies.
This program was launched in
• Engage and educate the The emphasis with local companies
April 2012.
community on the benefits of will begin on energy efficiency,
sustainable built environment. and DPPG will make a significant
contribution to lower GHG emissions
Current building programs: and increase business profitability.
• Regional Revitalization Program Over time, the menu of available
services may expand to cover other
PPG services such as water efficiency,
18Potential programs
BE2: Comprehensive Residential • Assistance with contractor
Retrofit selection criteria and project
management (thus reducing the
Develop a comprehensive residential
complexity factor).
energy retrofit program for Durham
involving four key elements of: • A home energy label to identify
residences that have been
• Energy audit and investment plan significantly retrofitted and their
covering a wide range of building new utility costs (to assist in the
envelope, heating, ventilation eventual resale of the home).
and air conditioning, appliance,
Such a comprehensive program
lighting, water heating and
would overcome most of the barriers
renewable energy retrofits.
inhibiting extensive energy retrofitting
• Financing plan combining any of residential buildings in Durham,
remaining federal/provincial and result in major energy and GHG
grant programs together with savings. For this voluntary program to
long-term, low-interest loans be successful, extensive homeowner
designed to produce positive education and engagement must take
cash flow from the outset place. Homeowners who are informed
(thus eliminating the barrier about the measurable benefits of the
of a payback period). program will be much more likely
to participate.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 19BE4: Durham Green and significantly reduce carbon
Building Guideline emissions and other impacts on
the environment. It has been
Develop and adopt a Durham
demonstrated that the incremental
Green Building Guideline for all
new construction in Durham (both
residential and ICI), which promotes
BE3: Green Affordable Housing a higher level of energy efficiency
for new buildings than the current
In partnership with the Region of
Ontario Building Code and increases
Durham Social Services Department’s
that standard over time.
Housing Services Division and other
stakeholders, develop a customized Municipalities have no authority to set
and targeted program for the retrofit and enforce building codes, therefore
of the Region’s approximately this program will be voluntary for
6,300 social housing units. While developers and builders. It will rely on
this program may be similar to, marketing mechanisms to promote costs of such upgrades have proven to
or a subset of, the Comprehensive energy efficient, new buildings in be modest and to pay for themselves
Residential Retrofit program, the Durham. An example of such a in a few years, given current and
ownership, financing, rental and program is the City of Toronto’s projected energy costs. The marketing
utility bill arrangements for these “Green Standard.” mechanisms for the residential sector
social housing units are complex and might include “Durham Eco-Home”
highly varied, and will likely require This program could encourage a designation and label, which is
special approaches to address the significant portion of new building promoted to new home buyers and
energy conservation potential that stock in Durham to move towards applied to all qualifying new homes.
they represent. Once retrofitted, these the goal of energy neutrality,
The program should be created
buildings will have lower operating
in collaboration with progressive
and maintenance costs, more stable
developers and builders because
utility costs and higher levels of indoor
those who have had the opportunity
environmental quality than previously.
to shape the program will be much
more willing to support it and
actively participate.
20Potential programs
Energy theme Potential programs:
E1: Smart Grid Initiative
Goal: Create a Durham Smart Grid Initiative
Reduce GHG emissions to sustainable to develop and demonstrate the
levels through judicious production, key components of smart grid
generation, transmission, delivery and technology, namely:
use of energy.
• Integration of dispersed local
Objectives: sources of renewable and
• Replace the need for energy low-GHG generation.
funded through private partnerships.
consumption through smart • Improved end-use management This action has the potential to be
design and planning. of electrical loads through supported by the Ontario Power
• Encourage, support and promote information technology. Authority’s (OPA) Feed-in Tariff (FIT)
energy conservation in a • Optimized scheduling of sources, program, and to position Durham as
sustainable manner. end-uses and storage. the staging area (harbour) for a future
• Maximize local, renewable offshore wind industry. This initial
• Integration of electric vehicles
and low GHG emission wind farm would be located at least
(EV) and charging systems.
energy generation sources five kilometres offshore of Durham.
Durham has the potential to become
to promote resiliency, security the smart grid and EV leader While this concept was created in the
and self sufficiency. in Ontario, thus reducing GHG context of wind energy, the strategy
emissions and stimulating economic could be expanded to consider other
development in the community. forms of renewable energy, such
as solar, and could be adapted to
E2: Offshore Wind Power include on-shore energy projects
Generation (where appropriate).
Create an offshore wind farm in Lake
Ontario with the capacity to generate
100 megawatt (MW) of electricity
(50 x 2 MW wind turbines),
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 21Pond biofuels project, St Marys Cement
E3: Durham Mini-Deep Lake lake water and the Enwave closed
Water Cooling chilled water supply loop. The water that
is drawn from the lake is used for the
GHG emissions could be reduced
regular water supply. The cool aspect
through creative use of local resources
of the lake water, not the actual water,
such as cold water from Lake Ontario.
provides the alternative to conventional
Deep lake water cooling is a system
air conditioning (source: City of Toronto,
that uses cold lake water to air
2011). Smaller-scale versions of this
condition commercial or industrial
initiative could reduce the electricity use
buildings. In Toronto, the Enwave E4: Durham Biofuels Program
(and GHG emissions) by the commercial
system works by drawing cold water
and industrial sectors within the
(4°C) from five kilometres off the Create a program to encourage
Durham community, in locations where
shore of Lake Ontario and from a businesses to develop industry clusters
there is, or will be, sufficient building
depth of 83 metres. This cold water for the refining of second-generation
density and cooling load.Feasibility
is transferred to the City’s pumping ethanol and bio-diesel fuels (and
studies would be needed to establish
station; there, heat exchangers facilitate biochemical feedstocks and byproducts).
potential sites for further investigation.
the energy transfer between the cold The bio-fuels would be fed into the
gasoline and diesel fuel supply systems
in Durham and Ontario to displace
gasoline and diesel fuel, and thereby
Water is drawn from deep reduce net GHG emissions.
in the lake, run through a heat exchanger
The program might also encompass
and the coldness of the water provides an
the possibility of algae-based bio-fuel
alternative to conventional air-conditioning.
production on farms or in industrial
and aquatic environments.
A life cycle analysis would be completed
to ensure sustainability and avoid
impact on the food supply.
22Potential programs
E5: B
io-methane Production
Gas Grid Fuel
and Use
Direct injection into High in octane, biomethane
Bio-methane can be generated from natural gas grids. is used as a substitute fuel and
may be used to power vehicles.
a variety of sources which are plentiful
in Durham: landfill gas, green bin
waste, sewage and agricultural waste.
Methane gas can be generated from
these sources using anaerobic digesters
and then used for co-generation of
electricity and heat, burned directly for Heat
Upgrading
Co-generation
heat, or upgraded for use as a fuel for
of Electricity
heavy vehicles and injected into the
natural gas distribution system for use
as “green gas” (by displacement) at
various end-use sites. Simply burning
methane which would otherwise
escape to the atmosphere, is a Controlled methanization
Compost/ Biogas
major contribution to GHG reduction, allows for digestion-based
Fertilizer Energy gas to be used as an energy
but converting organic waste into
The process generates base for the production of
bio-methane can also deal with a heat, electricity and fuel.
added value products,
waste-disposal problem and produce for example, compost
a useful carbon-neutral fuel. and fertilizer.
Principal Sources of Biogas
Household Waste Landfill Agricultural Waste
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 23Current local food programs: • A processing facility with public-
health inspected kitchens for
Currently the Region of Durham or
canning and other value-added
its partners co-ordinate the following
food preparation.
programs to support the food sector:
• Services such as education,
• Durham Farm Fresh - A program community outreach
to promote local purchase of and marketing.
Food system theme Durham farm produce.
The Local Food Hub would give
• Savour the Season - A promotional small farmers a chance to channel
Goal: program supporting restaurants their produce and meats into new
featuring local produce. markets by combining their crops
To support a sustainable food system
in ways that reduce GHG emissions • Durham Farm Connections - An and connecting them with larger
and increase food supply. educational program focused on purchasers. Thus, it will save farmers
school curriculum. time and money by allowing them to
Objectives: • Weekly outdoor farmers’ markets move beyond direct sales. This is also
• Prioritize and support food in various locations. an opportunity to use and implement
system practices that improve the Durham Food Charter.
• Durham Food Charter - A
water consumption, delivery community strategic plan for The Local Food Hub should also
and recapture, reduce GHG food security in Durham. be used as the co-ordination and
emissions, improve energy administrative centre for other
efficiencies and increase Potential programs: local food initiatives including, but
carbon sequestration. FS1: Local Food Hub not limited to: Urban Agriculture
• Provide education about the Programs, backyard composting and
Develop a Local Food Hub that will
relationship between GHG education on local food initiatives.
serve local farmers, restaurants and
emissions, and food choice
consumers in Durham and Toronto.
and consumption.
The local food hub would initially offer:
• Implement key objectives of
the food charter by increasing • A permanent, year-round, indoor
community access to local food, market space where farmers
and facilitating the participation can store/sell their produce and
of distributors and retailers. meats (wholesale or retail).
24Potential programs
The Urban Agriculture Program would Natural systems and
also increase the carbon sequestration
capacity of Durham’s built environment, resources theme
reduce food miles and implement key
provisions of the Food Charter. Goal:
FS3: Farm Friendly Regulations Protect, enhance, conserve and/or
manage natural resources in ways
FS2: Urban Agriculture Program
Develop a clear, concise, one-window that reduce GHG emissions and
Develop a thriving urban agriculture document containing a set of guidelines promote wise use of resources.
community within Durham with an that bring together existing pieces
emphasis on garden plots, community of legislation, regulation and policy Objectives:
gardens, backyard gardening, that affect farmers. The initiative • Increase local net carbon
sustainable agriculture, education and could also propose new measures sequestration capacity in
community engagement. The Urban to streamline the process for farmers natural and built environment
Agriculture Program would initially offer: to continue their current practices by creating, restoring and
and expand their business by staying remediating degraded natural
• Educational farming fields on the land and passing family and built environments.
located onsite at partner farms onto the next generation. • Promote local and sustainable
elementary schools, secondary Such an initiative could strengthen use and reuse of indigenous
schools, community centres, the agricultural sector in Durham natural resources.
other community institutions and and contribute to increased crop
interested residents’ backyards. • Promote source water protection,
production, with resulting climate and
conservation and reuse.
• Urban farming internships, financial benefits. This program would
workshops and volunteer work in co-operation with the Golden Current initiatives:
opportunities. Horseshoe Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Region of Durham staff actively
• A local compost program. Strategy Action Plan and the Region
participate on several source
of Durham’s Planning and Economic
• The opportunity to buy shares in water protection committees.
Development Department in facilitating
the harvest.
growth in the agricultural sector.
• Harvest Festivals, Open Farm
Days and other opportunities for
broad community engagement.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 25and streetscapes, which can sequester Transportation
CO2 and contribute to the greenhouse
gas emissions target of 80% reduction theme
by 2050. Tree planting will also assist Goal:
in adaptation efforts by providing a
cooling effect. Reduce GHG emissions from
transportation in Durham region.
Currently, Trees Ontario is committed
to planting 50 million trees in Ontario Objectives:
by 2020, a program which itself will • Promote low-GHG emission
result in planting an estimated 1.75 transportation options that are
million trees in Durham. Therefore, appealing to the public.
the target for Durham has been • Improve/increase the frequency and
increased to plant and maintain an integration of public transit services.
additional five million trees in Durham
• Promote the adoption of innovative
over a 10-year period from 2013 to
and intermodal transportation
2022 (as a possible timeline) or, 0.5
technologies, best practices
million trees per year on average.
Potential program: Many of these trees will be planted
and policies.
NS1: Durham Five Million Trees and maintained through partnerships
with provincial agencies, local
Create a made-in-Durham version of
conservation authorities, municipal
Million Trees New York City through a
governments, local volunteer
variety of public-private partnerships
organizations and service clubs. Care
throughout the community. The goal
will need to be taken to select species
of the program is to plant five million
that are hardy and adapted to our
trees (increased from the original
changing climate.
one million) throughout the Durham
community over a period of 10 years,
in an effort to reforest parkland as
well as residential and commercial
areas, open spaces, marginal land
26Potential programs
Current transportation • Community planning and design Waste theme
initiatives: guidelines that promote transit
use, cycling and walking.
Currently the following programs, Goal:
plans and proposals are underway • Outreach to residents and other
Support a sustainable integrated
by Regional and provincial agencies: stakeholders.
waste-management system that reduces
• Advocacy at inter-municipal and GHG emissions through prevention,
• Smart Commute Durham
provincial level to encourage reduction, reuse, recycling, recovering
• GO Train extension from Oshawa additional links between Regional and disposal.
through to Bowmanville. transit system, and GO bus/train
• Highway 407 extension and and VIA Rail systems. Objectives:
possible transit corridor/ Benefits from the program • Encourage prevention through
transitway stations would include: support of extended producer
• Durham Rapid Transit responsibility.
• Reduced single-occupancy
• Regional Cycling Plan vehicle trips. • Expand and improve recycling
and recovery opportunities.
• Transportation Master Plan • Increased mobility choices,
including accessible transit • Promote the reuse of materials
Potential program: systems, walking and cycling, through programs and
T1: Active Transportation especially for those that cannot, partnerships.
and Transit or choose not, to drive • Improve and enhance waste-
(such as youth and seniors). management systems.
Build upon various existing initiatives
aimed at developing a connected • Healthier lifestyle by making it
and balanced mobility system for all easier to walk, bike or take transit.
modes of transportation – walking, • Increased transit ridership.
cycling, transit and commercial/
• Improved air quality due to
private automobiles, with a priority
lessening of traffic congestion.
on active transportation.
• Alternative transportation options
The program could consist of the for residents and an increase in
following elements: active transportation.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 27Current waste management s The Regional Municipality of something you were going to
program: Durham could engage more throw out.
businesses to be drop-off
Durham Region is currently achieving s This would be similar to online
locations, and advertise the
a high rate of diversion from landfill trading sites, only with an
programs more thoroughly.
(53% in 2011) due to the following educational component and
programs: • Freecycle days and freecycle is Durham-centric.
• Blue Box recycling centres:
The climate rationale for such a
• Green Bin composting program s Residents could leave their program rests on the objectives
unwanted items on the curb on of keeping materials (especially
• Waste-management education
freecycle days, which could be materials that can decompose) out
Plans have now been approved for an the first Saturday of every month of landfill and on reducing energy
Energy from Waste facility in Clarington (or alternate timing). consumption of manufacturing new
that would burn much of our residual
s If nobody takes their items products (mostly outside of Durham)
waste to produce electricity and
from the curb, the residents by replacing their purchase with
heat, and thereby divert this waste
must drop their items off at reused products.
from landfill.
conveniently located freecycle
Potential program: centres (could be located in
W1: Durham Freecycle Program recycling centres, schools
and community centres,
Expand opportunities for reusing and for example).
recycling products/materials through
a three-pronged approach: • Freecycle online:
s User-friendly website/database
• Expand present programs:
that co-ordinates those who wish
s The Regional Municipality to dispose of items with those
of Durham already has who wish to reuse, and connects
programs to deal with everyone with repair services.
electronic waste, household
hazardous waste and tires. s Also gives do-it-yourself
ideas for repairing or reusing
28Potential programs
General theme and services but avoid any implication
of preferred supplier lists. It could
also leverage the DPPG program by
This General theme was not identified
increasing the local market for green
in the Phase 1 process but is created
products and services, and sharing
here to cover three general programs.
best practices for green purchasing.
Potential programs: G2: Community Climate Fund
G1: Durham Green
Procurement Guide Create a community fund that disburses
small amounts of funding for climate
Representatives from the Region, area and environmental initiatives. For
municipalities and the ICI sector could example, the fund could be valued at
draft and adopt green procurement $100,000 annually and distributed in Durham College, University of Ontario
criteria for the community that: sums ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 Institute of Technology (UOIT), municipal
per project. Groups would apply governments, service clubs, energy
• Eliminate excess packaging
quarterly and be judged according to utilities and others could design
• Specify materials that can be a set of criteria (including leverage and deliver a co-ordinated climate
composted or reused/recycled on Regional contributions, creativity, education program to various target
• Source food locally replicability, links to the LAP, etc.). groups in Durham. This program
• Source other products locally, Successful projects would be publicized should initially deal with climate science,
where possible and shared with the community climate impacts and mitigation actions
through an appropriate website. but should, over time, also cover
• Increase the amount of climate adaptation measures. It could,
post-consumer material G3: Climate Education Program for example, include a web-based
• Identify the most In order to improve the receptivity, self-assessment tool for residents to
energy-efficient option market penetration and ultimate calculate their carbon footprint and
• Consider product life cycle and success for the other proposed climate identify possible next steps in reducing
promote the lowest GHG option programs, The Regional Municipality their personal GHG emissions.
This initiative would promote the of Durham, together with community
voluntary purchase of green products partners such as local school boards,
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 29Impacts
and co-benefits
30Impacts and co-benefits
Analysis identifies impacts and co-benefits
The Durham Community Climate Change LAP at this time Preliminary assessment of the impacts and co-benefits of the
consists of: potential programs has been undertaken and is presented
in a qualitative manner in Table 1: Estimated Impacts of the
• A vision
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan.
• A mission
Based on the analysis to date, it appears that four of the
• A set of targets
potential programs offer the greatest contribution to GHG
• Six themes, each with a goal and a set of objectives reductions and to economic and social co-benefits. These
• 18 potential programs (of which one has been programs are:
approved to date)
• BE1: Durham Partners in Project Green
To assess the projected impacts and implications of the LAP,
• BE2: Comprehensive Residential Retrofit
each of the 18 potential programs should be analyzed and
the assumption made that they are developed, approved • BE4: Durham Green Building Guideline
and fully implemented over reasonable time periods • E4: Durham Biofuels Program.
(in most cases over a 10-year time frame from 2013 to 2022). Further work will extend these preliminary analysis results as
To undertake quantitative analysis of program impacts, programs are developed for individual approval.
there has to be reasonable and detailed assumptions
concerning factors such as participation rates, equipment
and material costs, labour costs, energy production and
savings, energy rates, financing costs, etc.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 31Where possible, quantitative estimates • Increases in vegetation cover
were made of the expected reductions resulting from tree planting and
in GHG emissions resulting from agricultural programs, which in
each program in the target year of turn improve biodiversity, aesthetics
2020. However, some programs are and reduce summer heating.
very difficult to quantify and can best The value of these environmental
be characterized qualitatively as a impacts has been assessed qualitatively
positive contribution (or otherwise) to and is represented by a plus sign (+)
GHG reduction. The relative magnitude in Table 1.
of the GHG reductions is presented in
Table 1 by down arrows (). Reducing GHG emissions in Durham
can also result in improved local
To date, the analysis indicates that air quality and a “greener”, cooler
implementation of the potential local landscape.
programs in the LAP can achieve the
Types of impacts 2020 target of a 20% reduction in
A. Environmental impacts GHG emissions from Durham region.
The set of 18 potential programs are Beyond GHG emission reductions, there
designed variously to: are a number of other environmental
co-benefits which result from various
• Directly or indirectly reduce energy programs to address climate change.
consumption and thus GHG These impacts are more local in
emissions associated with the nature and include:
production and use of that energy.
• Reductions in local air pollutants
• Produce renewable energy that
like carbon monoxide,
will displace fossil fuels from
particulates, sulphur oxides,
current uses.
nitrogen oxides, methane,
• Sequester carbon dioxide by mercury and other chemicals
removing it from the atmosphere. that are produced when fossil
fuels are burned.
32Impacts and co-benefits
TABLE 1 - ESTIMATED IMPACTS OF THE COMMUNITY CLIMATE CHANGE LOCAL ACTION PLAN
Environmental Economic Social
Potential programs Capital investment Value added to
Household &
GHG emissions Local air quality Vegetation cover Employment business utility Health
in Durham Durham economy
savings
BE1 Durham Partners in Project Green
BE2 Comprehensive Residential Retrofit
1
BE3 Green Affordable Housing
BE4 Durham Green Building Guideline
E1 Smart Grid Initiative
E2 Offshore Wind Power Generation
E3 Durham Deep Lake Water Cooling
E4 Durham Biofuels Program
E5 Bio-methane Production and Use
FS1 Local Food Hub
FS2 Urban Agriculture Program
FS3 Farm-Friendly Regulations
NS1 Durham Five Million Trees
T1 Active Transportation and Transit
W1 Durham Freecycle Program
G1 Durham Green Procurement Guide
G2 Community Climate Fund
G3 Climate Education Program
KEY FOOTNOTES
= amount of GHG reduction 1 - A subset of Comprehensive Residential Retrofit
= small GHG reduction 2 - Average annual energy savings of $10,800 per participating business
= undetermined GHG impact 3 - Average annual energy savings of $865 per participating household
= significant GHG reduction beyond 2020
4 - Average annual energy and water savings of $760 per participating new houseshold
+ = positive environmental or social impact
$ = amount of positive economic impact
= amount of employment increase
= not analyzed or not applicable
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 33B. Economic impacts
The set of 18 potential programs will
stimulate capital investment in energy
efficiency technologies and retrofits,
renewable energy development, new
agricultural production, tree planting
and other forms of economic activity.
Most of the labour for installation and
operation and some of the equipment
and materials for these activities, will
be sourced in Durham region and will
thus have economic and employment
impacts on the region and also on
the Ontario economy. Furthermore,
the money saved by consumers and
business through energy efficiency The relative value of the capital
measures is spent mostly in the local investment associated with each
economy and stimulates further program is indicated by dollar signs
economic activity. ($) in Table 1. Similarly, the value
added to the Durham economy
that results from the initial capital
investment, the operation of the
facilities and the respending of energy
savings is represented by dollar signs
($) in Table 1.
34Impacts and co-benefits
C. Social impacts • Improving indoor air quality in
homes and businesses through
Social cohesion and the quality of life
energy retrofits.
in Durham can also be impacted by
the programs proposed in the LAP in • Improving health through better
the following ways: outdoor air quality and more
a more physically active
• Providing more employment population.
in Durham.
• Increasing local food production
• Putting more disposable income and food security.
in the pockets of residents through
• More pleasant, people-oriented
energy efficiency in their homes.
communities.
• Reducing business expenses
Two major programs (DPPG and
through energy savings, thus
Comprehensive Residential Retrofit) At this point employment impacts of
increasing profits and
are designed to stimulate energy the various programs are represented
re-investment.
efficiency investments by home owners by person symbols ( ) in Table 1.
and business managers through
Impacts on utility bill savings and
provision of information/audits,
health are indicated where applicable
access to grants/financing and
by a plus sign (+).
other support services. The financial
magnitude of these savings will be In summary, financial and social
estimated as these programs are resiliency and the quality of life in
developed. Other social impacts, such Durham can be enhanced through
as health impacts, are more difficult climate protection measures.
to estimate and will be characterized
qualitatively for decision-makers.
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 35LAP
implementation strategies
36LAP implementation strategies
Introduction
As the Durham community moves forward to develop and • Relevant program experience (e.g. Partners in Project
implement programs in this LAP, there are strategies which Green from the Pearson Eco-Business Zone operated
can maximize the positive environmental, economic and by Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)).
social impacts on Durham, while minimizing costs. These • Existing standards (e.g. the R2000 and EnergyStar
implementation strategies are presented below with brief standards for new homes, the RenoMark program).
examples of how they can apply to potential programs.
• Existing information and databases (e.g. Regional
Leverage housing databases, federal home retrofit databases,
business directories).
The idea of leverage is to achieve the maximum result
with the minimum input of resources. If we can combine • Existing analysis tools (e.g. the EnerGuide rating
Regional resources with resources from other public and program for the energy efficiency of housing).
private partners, we can achieve large outcomes. Resources • Existing training programs and certifications (e.g. the
should be viewed in several ways: Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation
seminars and training programs, training programs
for home energy auditors).
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 37• Existing financial incentive programs (e.g. the As individual programs are developed for approval, a
OPA saveONenergy grants, Enbridge’s energy thorough analysis will be undertaken of available program
efficiency grants). experience and funding that can strengthen these programs
• Pilot programs and demonstrations (e.g. the OPA’s and provide maximum leverage.
Conservation Fund, Natural Resources Canada’s Facilitation
ecoENERGY for Biofuels Program)
Local and regional governments can facilitate activities
• Existing operational funding (e.g. the FCM’s Green
among their residents and businesses that contribute
Municipal Fund, the Region of Durham’s solid
substantially to climate protection. Local governments can
waste management programs).
provide a range of services including the following:
DPPG demonstrates the strategy of leverage by:
• Development standards and guidelines: Local
• Drawing on the successful PPG program model that governments control land use and the design of
has been developed over the last four years by TRCA our cities, neighbourhoods and buildings, which
in the Pearson Airport Eco-Business Zone, including significantly impacts our energy use and GHG
proven services, databases, case studies and the emissions. Official plans, strategic plans, development
PPG website. controls, development charges, and local planning
• Combining operational funding from all the criteria and guidelines have major impacts on the
region’s electrical and gas utilities and several of liveability and viability of our community. They can
the municipalities. facilitate sprawl or more compact and efficient
• Providing streamlined access for business to financial community design.
incentive programs from these utilities. • Information: Municipal governments can play key roles
• Supporting DSA to grow its existing Eco-Business in providing locally relevant information to residents
Program into the more comprehensive DPPG program. and business when they are making major purchase
decisions that will affect future energy consumption
• Utilizing business associations such as local chambers
and GHG emissions. For example, a home energy
of commerce and boards of trade in Durham to
efficiency standard, information on affordability and
support and market DPPG to their members.
a list of home builders offering high-efficiency homes
would be highly effective at the point of new home
38LAP implementation strategies
purchase. Key information at the grow the energy companies of
right time can facilitate informed the future. Climate protection
investments and make optimum can be an engine of economic
use of market mechanisms. development for Durham.
• Public transit: Efficient and As LAP programs are further
convenient bus services can developed, we should be seeking
reduce car dependence and those low-cost facilitation opportunities
support active transportation where local governments can reduce
(cycling) and use of GO Transit barriers, exploit market mechanisms and
and Durham Region Transit. achieve multiple benefits for the region.
Integration of transit into
Private sector investment
community design is key to
facilitating increased transit use Many of the initiatives proposed in
by residents and commuters. the LAP will require private sector
• Economic development: Climate investments in energy efficiency and
protection in Durham also offers renewable energy opportunities
opportunities to strengthen our in Durham. Wind energy, bio-fuel
economy, provide local jobs production, solar energy projects,
and build future prosperity. By vehicles of the future, business
investing in our own energy energy efficiency and residential
efficiency, we will reduce our energy retrofits will be funded by
future energy costs for residents private investment, not tax dollars.
and businesses, produce and If local governments offer attractive,
protect local jobs, and make stable and long-term opportunities
Durham more attractive as a for private capital, investment will
place to live, work and invest. By flow into Durham. The creation of
focusing on renewable energy business clusters is facilitated by
development in Durham, we can local governments fostering the right
attract corporate investment and environment for investment. Water,
Community Climate Change Local Action Plan 39You can also read
