NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
*************************
On Nov. 14, 2023, County Council passed the Corporate Climate Action Plan, which commits to reduce corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 44% below 2021 levels by 2030, and Net Zero corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“The County is committed to working together to build inclusive, vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Our new Corporate Climate Action Plan takes innovative steps forward to ensure that the County continues to lead in providing a regional approach to environment stewardship.”
In 2018, Council adopted the recommendation for the County of Simcoe to join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Partners for Climate Protection Program which consists of a five-step milestone framework. Sustainability Solutions Group was engaged to assist with Milestone 2 Setting of an Emissions Reduction Target and Milestone 3 the Creation of the Corporate Climate Action Plan.
To meet Federal GHG reduction targets, a Corporate Climate Action Plan was created around the Reduce-Improve-Switch-Generate framework. Key actions contained in the Plan include:
- Undertaking retrofits to reduce GHG emissions and improve efficiency to reduce energy demand in existing buildings
- Ensuring new buildings achieve high levels of energy performance and do not rely on fossil fuels for energy
- Promoting sustainable transportation for employee commuting
- Greening the corporate fleet through a transition to zero emission vehicles
- Generating renewable and low carbon energy, e.g. solar and geothermal
On Nov. 14, Council approved both the Corporate Climate Action Plan and the Emission Reduction Targets, which will be integrated into the County of Simcoe’s Strategic Plan, the County of Simcoe’s Long Term Financial Plan, and Operational Workplans as the County works towards a greener future.
More information on the County’s Sustainable Operations can be found on the County’s website, simcoe.ca/sustainable-operations.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
*************************
