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Sustainable development

Canada Invests in Green Infrastructure to Accelerate Net-Zero Goals

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Canadian government is committing to accelerating its net-zero goals by investing in green infrastructure initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase energy efficiency. A $2.5 million investment through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF) has been announced to support the construction of a net-zero engineering and public works operations centre in Nova Scotia.

This centre will be the first net-zero facility to incorporate two different operations and building-system requirements, showcasing a cutting-edge approach to sustainable design. The building will utilize energy efficiency measures such as passive design, automated control systems, heat pumps, a heat-recovery system, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Energy usage will be closely monitored through two power meters, one recording power generated by the solar PV array and the other tracking power used from the conventional power grid.

Key Takeaways:

  • $2.5 million investment through FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support the construction of a net-zero engineering and public works operations centre in Nova Scotia.
  • The centre will be the first net-zero facility to incorporate two different operations and building-system requirements.
  • The building design incorporates energy efficiency measures including passive design, automated control systems, heat pumps, a heat-recovery system, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
  • Energy usage will be monitored through two power meters to track energy generated by solar PV and power used from the conventional grid.
  • The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster by providing funding, resources, and training.
  • The Canadian government aims to accelerate its net-zero goals by investing in green infrastructure initiatives that reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency.
  • The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, stated that 18% of Canada's GHG emissions come from buildings, stressing the importance of making new and existing builds more energy-efficient.
  • Member of Parliament Kody Blois emphasized the importance of local action in climate change adaptation and reducing emissions.
  • The Municipality of Kings County has implemented a strong leadership role in climate change adaptation and reducing emissions, aiming to transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Statistics:

  • 18% of Canada's GHG emissions come from buildings (Source: The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson).
  • The construction of the net-zero engineering and public works operations centre in Nova Scotia will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.
  • $2.5 million investment through FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) has been announced to support the construction of the centre (Source: Federations of Canadian Municipalities).
  • 50% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions come from local governments (Source: Geoff Stewart, Third Vice-President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities).

Sources:

  • "Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for KingsHants, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and Geoff Stewart, Third Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced today a $2.5 million investment through FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to help reduce pollution in Nova Scotia."
  • Federations of Canadian Municipalities.

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