Durham invests in region-wide solutions to build climate resilience in our communities

Whitby, Ontario – Since declaring a climate emergency on January 29, Durham Region has taken important steps to accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient community.

Durham Regional Council recently approved projects for corporate and community-wide climate solutions that will support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs while creating local jobs and attracting private sector investment in the low carbon economy.

The investment plan for the $5 million Climate Mitigation and Environmental Initiatives Reserve Fund approved in the 2020 budget includes strategic initiatives to advance innovative low carbon technologies and building practices in Regional facilities, including new construction and retrofits. Where possible, the Region will leverage investments from the private sector, federal and provincial governments to quickly deliver local climate solutions.

Start-up funding is also part of the investment plan – for the Durham Home Energy Savings Program – an innovative energy retrofit initiative that is built on local partnerships with area municipalities, energy utilities, financial institutions and skilled trades. The Home Energy Savings Program will help Durham homeowners to invest in smart home improvements that lower energy use and increase home comfort.

The transition to more energy-efficient homes and buildings requires a skilled workforce. These climate investment strategies build upon Durham Region’s position as the Clean Energy Capital of Canada, and will spur the creation of new jobs while strengthening local energy supply chains.  

Reports and updates on Durham Region’s climate action initiatives are available at durham.ca/ClimateChange.

Quotes:

“Durham Region is committed to action on climate change. These initiatives are the beginning of many aimed at transforming how we live and work in our community. Investing in green infrastructure is an integral part of our transition to a low-carbon economy.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“There is a natural alignment between post-pandemic recovery and environmental sustainability. Implementing programs to address climate change now is an important part of how we continue to build community resilience.”
- Sandra Austin, Director of Strategic Initiatives

“We know that we can have the most impact working in partnership with the public and private sector to unlock capital for local climate investment. These initiatives are examples of what can be accomplished when we work together for the good of our community.”
- Ian McVey, Manager of Sustainability

Quick Facts

• Through the emergency declaration—brought forward through the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change—Durham Region joins the Government of Canada and more than 400 Canadian municipalities who have declared climate emergencies. Most of these organizations are implementing programs to help reduce their contribution to global carbon emissions.
  
  
• The Durham Community Energy Plan identifies programs that will allow Durham to reach its long-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction target while making Durham an even better place to live, work and play.

• Details about the Council decision on the Climate Mitigation and Environmental Initiatives Reserve Fund Investment Plan and Durham Home Energy Savings Program details are outlined in the June 24 meeting minutes at durham.ca.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.