CRD Becomes Carbon Neutral: 5 Years in the Making

For immediate release

May 31, 2013, Victoria, BC–- The Capital Regional District (CRD) is celebrating its first year of carbon neutral operations under the BC Climate Action Charter.

In 2007, the CRD joined more than 175 local and regional governments in signing the voluntary commitment with the Union of BC Municipalities and the Province of BC. Five years later, the corporation has achieved the significant milestone of achieving carbon neutral operations.

The CRD has been measuring its corporate emissions annually and taking action to reduce energy and fuel use in buildings, fleet and major operations. In the past three years, the CRD achieved reductions of nearly 400 tonnes. Now, thanks to a partnership with Offsetters Climate Solutions, the organizationis carbon neutral for 2012.

“The CRD is committed to addressing climate change through its corporate operations and service delivery,” said Larisa Hutcheson, General Manager of CRD Parks & Environmental Services. “We continue to find ways to reduce emissions by changing behaviours, deploying new technologies and working with our contractors. This achievement demonstrates our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship and the emerging green economy,” she added.

While the CRD’s corporate portfolio represents 0.25% of the estimated 1.47 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions generated annually in the region, the breadth and diversity of its services mean that the achievement will not go unnoticed. 

“The CRD Board followed through on the voluntary commitment of carbon neutral operations by making it a corporate goal in the current Strategic Plan,” said CRD Chief Administrative Officer Robert Lapham. “The CRD recognizes that carbon accounting and greenhouse gas management is the norm in many jurisdictions around the world. This approach reinforces our goal to deliver efficient, effective services to residents, businesses and municipal partners.”  

“We are thrilled to see the CRD’s leadership in achieving carbon neutrality. Their efforts and our partnership will provide measurable and lasting benefits here in British Columbia and around the world,” says James Tansey, CEO of Offsetters, which provides both BC-based and international carbon offsets.

The CRD is continuing its efforts in 2013 with a goal to develop community emissions reduction projects in the region that can be applied against its corporate portfolio in the coming years. This approach, along with investments in greener vehicles, building retrofits, and renewable energy development, will be a part of the annual carbon neutral commitment.  

For more information:

BC Climate Action Charter www.toolkit.bc.ca          

CRD Climate Action Service http://www.crd.bc.ca/climatechange/CRDClimateAction.htm

Offsetters Climate Solutions http://www.offsetters.ca/about-us

-30-

Media contacts:

Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492

Melanie Wong, Director of Marketing
Offsetters
Tel: 778.945.0955