British Columbia is Going Green

British Columbia is Going Green

Justin Mongiardo
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is officially one of the greenest provinces in Canada.  It earned high marks on a recent report card measuring energy efficiency and environmental impact.  The report was published by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, and shows that British Columbia’s recent efforts to go green have truly been paying off.

One reason for British Columbia's successful move to go green is the government's policies relating to the environment.  For instance, British Columbia has adopted a plan to be 100% self-sufficient in fulfilling its electricity needs by the year 2016.  The BC Energy Plan hopes to reduce global warming by limiting the province’s greenhouse gas emissions. It will dedicate funds to developing new technologies that use alternative energy sources. Additionally, preservation projects will be supported so that the province can save its natural environment for future generations.

The province has also provided support to the New Buildings Program and the Retrofit Program.  The aim of these projects is to improve public buildings, like hospitals and schools, and make them more energy efficient.  Funding comes from several BC agencies, including the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Health.  These funds help cover construction costs for new projects so that the health and education sectors can afford to make green improvements to their buildings.  Construction efforts will include improved heating and ventilation systems, efficient plumbing fixtures, and better waste management.  Once construction is complete, the buildings are expected to have a lower environmental impact and cheaper utility costs.  This will inevitably lead to long-term savings that outweigh initial investment.

In addition to these special building programs, British Columbia recently instituted a new building code requiring all construction teams to improve their environmental impact. The new code applies to homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. It will require better standards for things like insulation and water efficiency. To educate industry workers about the new code, the government is helping to promote several training seminars.

British Columbia is also a part of the Western Climate Initiative.  This means they, along with other Canadian provinces and several U.S. states, have agreed to adopt an economic system that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  As part of this initiative, British Columbia aims to reduce its emissions by 33% by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, the province will work cooperatively with other participants in the program to share ideas and concepts.

To encourage green changes to continue in BC, the province has started a program that recognizes those communities that set an exceptional example for green living. These “Green City Awards” provide winners with funds to continue investing in green projects. The plan is to give out up to $2.5 million over five years with at least eight awards being handed out each year. To win an award, a community must show that it is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the natural environment. Past award recipients have done projects like making communities pedestrian-friendly and developing improved waste-management systems.

Ultimately, British Columbia is showing Canada and the world what it means to be eco-conscious. The province’s policies and programs will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts. Hopefully, other regions will follow this example and do their part as well. With a lot of support from government and private groups alike, the world can treat the environment a little better.