Greenhouse Gas Emission Target Setting

Local Trust Committees (LTCs) in each Local Trust Area will soon be setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets in their Official Community Plans (OCPs). These targets will be community-wide targets that will not just reflect the actions at the LTC level through land use planning, but also the efforts of community residents. Bowen Island Municipality has already established a target.

Bill 27 Target Requirements

Bill 27 – the Local Government (Green Communities) Statutes Amendment Act – requires that all local government OCPs include GHG reduction targets by May 2010. At least one of the targets set must be a measurable and numerical emissions reduction target, expressed as a percentage reduction or number of tonnes reduction in GHGs. This requirement can be met by:

1. Setting an overarching target encompassing emissions from all sectors of emissions within the LTA. For example: reduce GHG emissions by x percent by the year x.

AND/OR:

2. Setting one or more sector-specific targets that includes a conversion a numerical reduction in tonnes of GHG emissions. For example: increase cycling and pedestrian trips by x percent by the year x, to achieve x percent reduction in GHG emissions.

These numerical targets are intended to be challenging and motivating. Their purpose is to inspire and stimulate action, rather than be easily achieved. While not required by Bill 27, it may be useful to set both interim and long-term targets.