Climate Emergency
Earlier in 2019, our Council declared a climate emergency, essentially taking on the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets set out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, thus working with others in achieving the GHG reductions required to keep global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
In response to the climate emergency, New Westminster City Council has endorsed a 2020 Climate Action Budgeting Framework for the City’s 2020 budget process, as well as the seven bold steps below to guide the process with the goal of moving New Westminster towards a zero carbon future by 2050.
View the Climate Action Budgeting Framework presentation to Council on November 4, 2019.
Carbon Free Corporation
The City of New Westminster will reduce its overall carbon footprint and will strive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Car Light Community
Accelerate the Master Transportation Plan targets for mode split: 60% of all trips within the City will be by sustainable modes of transportation (walk, transit, bike, multi-occupant shared) by 2030.
Carbon Free Homes and Buildings
Community carbon emissions for all homes and buildings will be reduced significantly. By 2030, all new and replacement heating and hot water systems will be zero emissions.
Pollution Free Vehicles
By 2030, 50% of kilometres driven by New Westminster registered vehicle owners will be by zero emissions vehicles.
Carbon Free Energy
The City of New Westminster will invest in a smart electrical grid in order to accommodate the required rapid conversion to building and vehicle electrification.
Robust Urban Forest
New Westminster’s Urban Forest Canopy cover will be increased to 27% by 2030 to support the removal of 4,050 tonnes of carbon pollution every year and increase our forest’s carbon storage capacity by 50%.
Quality People-Centred Public Realm
A minimum of 10% of today’s street space that currently only serves motor vehicles, excluding transit, will be reallocated for sustainable transportation or public gathering by 2030. The natural environment will be integrated with the public realm.