Climate Action in Creston

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In 2021, Creston committed to the West Kootenay 100% Renewable Energy Plan. The West Kootenay 100% Renewable Energy Plan is a roadmap outlining the opportunities and obstacles for the region to achieve 100% of energy used from renewable sources by 2050. Our commitment requires that the Town of Creston aim to transition to 100% renewables in all energy use sectors in the community including heating and cooling, transportation, electricity, and waste management no later than 2050. Creston’s Climate Action Plan is our first step in making this transition.

Much of Creston’s climate data comes from the Strategic Community Energy and Emissions Plan, based on 2010 climate data. We know much has changed in the past 12 years, and the Town of Creston needs to prioritize collecting reliable baseline data to inform future decision-making. The intent of this climate action plan is to develop a stepping stone towards a robust strategy that continues to evolve. The idea is to establish key goals such as education, building the Town of Creston’s capacity to address climate change, and sourcing funding to develop a future plan built on new climate data.

We need a plan that works towards equitable climate action that generates environmental, economic, and health benefits for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community. It should also fosters a culture of sustainability within Town of Creston operations, where sustainability becomes central to the decision-making process.


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In 2021, Creston committed to the West Kootenay 100% Renewable Energy Plan. The West Kootenay 100% Renewable Energy Plan is a roadmap outlining the opportunities and obstacles for the region to achieve 100% of energy used from renewable sources by 2050. Our commitment requires that the Town of Creston aim to transition to 100% renewables in all energy use sectors in the community including heating and cooling, transportation, electricity, and waste management no later than 2050. Creston’s Climate Action Plan is our first step in making this transition.

Much of Creston’s climate data comes from the Strategic Community Energy and Emissions Plan, based on 2010 climate data. We know much has changed in the past 12 years, and the Town of Creston needs to prioritize collecting reliable baseline data to inform future decision-making. The intent of this climate action plan is to develop a stepping stone towards a robust strategy that continues to evolve. The idea is to establish key goals such as education, building the Town of Creston’s capacity to address climate change, and sourcing funding to develop a future plan built on new climate data.

We need a plan that works towards equitable climate action that generates environmental, economic, and health benefits for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community. It should also fosters a culture of sustainability within Town of Creston operations, where sustainability becomes central to the decision-making process.


Stay tuned for weekly Quick Facts!

  • November 23 Open House

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  • What are the 'Big Moves' we're talking about?

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    To achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, we need to make some big moves. Many municipalities use the following big moves to advance climate action in their communities. So, we are in good company and support.

    Transportation

    • Electrifying the car
    • Moving beyond the car: Active transportation and public transportation
    • Eliminating emissions from commercial vehicles

    Buildings

    • Upgrading existing buildings
    • Improving efficiency standards for new buildings

    Waste

    • Waste reduction
    • Waste and resource recovery
    • Closing the loop

    Energy Generation

    • Diversifying energy sources
  • What Big Moves can the Town of Creston impact the most?

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    It's important to remember that although local governments have a big impact on the daily lives of community members, they have more control in some areas than others. The greater the control a municipality has over policy decisions, budgeting, infrastructure development, and capacity building, the more impactful the emissions reductions from the action.

    Clear Authority

    • Waste
    • New buildings

    Some Authority

    • Moving beyond the car
    • Electrified passenger vehicles

    Limited Authority

    • Existing buildings
    • Low carbon commercial vehicles
  • Provincial Green House Gas Reduction Targets

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    To remain on track with the BC Climate Action Charter Targets for 2030, Creston’s emissions should be 21,000 CO2e tonnes. The Town of Creston would have to reduce 2020 emissions by approximately 50% by 2030 to meet this target.

    Provincial Targets

    • 16% below 2007 levels by 2025
    • 40% below 2007 levels by 2030
    • 60% below 2007 levels by 2040
    • 80% below 2007 levels by 2050
  • Climate Change in Creston

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    The International Panel on Climate Change states, “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land. In general, we are seeing more extreme weather events, hotter average temperatures, and melting sea and land ice.

    In Creston, we can observationally attest to these changes. For example, during the summer of 2021, Creston experienced extreme heat events with temperatures surpassing 40oC. In the future, Creston can expect higher average temperatures, more hot days (check out this report for more on heatwaves in Creston), shifts in precipitation patterns, and likely an overall increase in precipitation. These changes are predicted to have damaging impacts such as increased wildfire events, drought, vegetation impacts, and negative water quality impacts.

    Creston’s Official Community Plan (2017) sets out the following target commitments:

    • 10% reduction from 2007 baseline levels in community-wide emissions by 2020; and,
    • 20% reduction from 2007 baseline levels in community-wide emissions by 2030.

    Creston did not meet its target for 2020, in fact, we surpassed our Business As Usual (BAU) scenario. The BAU scenario showcases the likely scenario if no behaviours were changed as well as takes growth and development into account. In 2020, the Town of Creston emitted approximately 40,241 tonnes of CO2e (Carbon dioxide equivalent). We need more aggressive targets and actions to meet our 2030 and 2050 targets.

Page last updated: 19 Jan 2023, 12:57 PM