Saanich lauded with Provincial Awards and Grants at the 2008 UBCM Convention in Penticton!

1. A $10,000 Community Action on Energy and Efficiency grant to continue the green building program.
2. A $20,000 Solar BC grant to identify obstacles to residential solar hot water system installation and develop an approval system that encourage homeowners to install solar hot water systems in new and existing homes.
3. The 2008 Community Excellence Award in Leadership and Innovation for Large Communities. This award recognizes Saanich's pioneering efforts in establishing its locally-based Carbon Neutral Program.
4. The 2008 Community Energy Association's Energy Action Award, Honorable Mention, for the Saanich Carbon Neutral Program.

These awards and recognition are something to be proud of since we were competing against all other local governments in the Province. This initiative was made possible through the support of elected officials and most importantly, the enthusiastic and capable involvement of Planning, Finance, Information Technology and Administration staff.

Congratulations to all!

Saanich Wins Union of BC Municipalities Award for Carbon Neutral Program

The District of Saanich's Carbon Neutral Program received the Community Excellence Award in Leadership and Innovation at the September 25, 2008 annual meeting of the Union of BC Municipalities in Penticton. The program, the first of its kind in Canada, targets reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions for municipal operations and sets aside carbon offset funds that will support local greenhouse gas reducing initiatives such as solar hot water, photo-voltaic systems, fleet conversion, building retrofits and urban forestry.

In June, the municipality released its on-line Carbon Calculator enabling residents to estimate their carbon footprint, donate to the municipal Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund and immediately print a receipt for income tax purposes.

The Municipality is in also the process of developing a detailed Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Plan and currently sets aside funds to offset its annual corporate GHG emissions.

Saanich is also committed to helping other municipalities set up their own Carbon Neutral Fund, carbon calculator and on-line payment and tax receipt program.

Click below to view the media releases:

Community Energy Association 2008 Energy Action Awards

Clean Energy Efficiency Program Supports 62 Communities

Communities Awarded Funding to Expand Solar Projects

View the UBCM Awards Report Here

Staff contact:

Mark Boysen
Sustainability Coordinator
250-475-5494 Ext. 3466 or mark.boysen@saanich.ca