Town teams up with Sheridan College to take action on greenhouse gas emissions

In collaboration with Sheridan College, Oakville is moving forward with the development of a Community Energy Plan (CEP) that will set clear targets for reducing energy and greenhouse gas emissions.

The CEP will look at the types of energy we use as a community; how much energy is used by our homes, businesses and travel habits; and how population, employment and land use impact our energy needs. The Plan will act as a guide to help the town, its residents, businesses and industry adopt new technology to reduce emissions, keep more energy dollars local and improve overall energy security and efficiency.

“We are proud of our many initiatives to improve our energy efficiency and lessen our impact on the environment,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “With the resources and expertise of Sheridan College and other community stakeholders, we will have a world-class Community Energy Plan that will ensure Oakville continues to be one of the best places to live and raise a family.”

The Sheridan team brings extensive experience from a wide range of technical, organizational, municipal and institutional backgrounds, encompassing projects world-wide and spanning many decades. The college is also building on the success of its own Integrated Energy and Climate Management Program, which has Sheridan on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2020. Sheridan and its strategic partners bring decades of combined experience working with community and institutional clients in Ontario to develop world-class, long-term energy and climate master plans.

“Sheridan is proud to contribute our experience and expertise in effective energy management to this important initiative,” said Dr. Mary Preece, Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor. “As an institution with deep roots in Oakville, we’re excited by this opportunity to give back to the community in such a meaningful and impactful way.”

Oakville Hydro, Union Gas and Halton Region have also committed to support the CEP by providing energy data and expertise.

Funding for the CEP’s development comes from a $220,000 Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund grant, $90,000 from the province’s Municipal Energy Plan program, and $125,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through its Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program.

Oakville’s CEP will build on the many existing programs, policies and procedures the town has already implemented to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as replacing street and park lights with LED lighting, and introducing Sustainable Green Fleet, Sustainable Building Design, and Towards Zero Waste procedures.

To review Oakville’s corporate sustainability and climate change adaptation initiatives, visit oakville.ca.