[Township of Woolwich, December – 2019] The Township of Woolwich has set a 20% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target by 2027, supported by Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Sustainability Initiative. Setting this 20% target represents a tangible action by Woolwich Township towards reducing GHG emissions from their corporate energy consumption. The municipality will examine not only technological and administrative energy usage reductions but also how policy, social and behavioural changes can aid their reduction measures. Woolwich Township will also continue to assess and use clean, renewable energy sources when the climate and resources are available.
The 20% reduction target follows the Township’s declaration of a climate emergency in September, where they also began researching the applicability and benefits of the preparation of a carbon budget in auditing their reduction efforts. Carbon budgeting would mirror financial budgeting in that it treats emissions as if they were a limited resource to be distributed across the corporation’s operations and is still being considered by the Township as a possible tool in working towards this reduction target.
“The Township of Woolwich is joining a group of leaders committed to the long-term well-being of the community and its citizens with this 20% target,” said Tova Davidson, Executive Director of Sustainable Waterloo Region. “Every organization that sets a target to reduce its impact in Waterloo region is part of a movement towards a stronger and more sustainable economy. At both the Woolwich Township and Sustainable Waterloo Region we are excited to be working together to reach this target and bring the importance of sustainability to another group in the region.”
The Township of Woolwich has set an intensity-based target which represents a reduction in the total amount of GHGs emission in relation to another metric of performance. The Township of Woolwich has committed to a 20% reduction in GHG’s relative to the Township’s population growth by 2027 based on 2017.
“The Township of Woolwich is taking positive steps to reduce our emissions, but by officially setting a target we can measure our progress and success,” says David Brenneman, Chief Administrative Officer “Our corporate sustainability team looks forward to working with Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Regional Sustainability Initiative team and learning from the successes of other program members.”
About the Township of Woolwich
The Township of Woolwich believes that citizens deserve responsible community leadership, high quality services and programs, sound financial management and customer service assistance in a courteous, helpful manner. Elected officials, staff and volunteers aim to exceed resident expectations.
About Sustainable Waterloo Region
Sustainable Waterloo Region is an environmental non-profit organization that fosters collaborations that enable local organizations to convert their sustainability interest into action. These organizations participate in our programs to achieve environmental and economic benefits. By building networks, setting a common direction for results, and publicly reporting on progress, we are working to maximize both the individual and collective successes of organizations in Waterloo Region.
About the Regional Sustainability Initiative
The Regional Sustainability Initiative is Sustainable Waterloo Region’s flagship program. We foster the development of the local green economy by supporting organizations to set ambitious and realistic sustainability targets. We encourage an overall approach to sustainability, with focus on carbon, waste and water operations. This program has 29 Pledging members setting 37 reduction targets across these three operational metrics.
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For more information or request an interview, please contact: Tova Davidson Sustainable Waterloo Region Email: tova.davidson@sustainablewaterlooregion.ca Cell: 519-835-3838
