On March 10, 2016, the Pembina Institute hosted the third of four webinars in a series focusing on the forthcoming B.C. Climate Leadership Plan.
Webinar 3 began with an overview of the Climate Leadership Team’s recommendations, such as strengthening the carbon tax. Presenters shared their insights on the potential for reducing emissions from the built environment and perspectives from local government and the development industry.
Karen Tam Wu, director of the buildings and urban solutions program at the Pembina Institute, introduced and moderated the discussion. The first speaker was Matt Horne, B.C. associate director at the Pembina Institute and member of the Climate Leadership Team.
Brendan McEwen, sustainability manager for the City of Richmond, gave the next presentation. He noted that Richmond adopted a Community Energy and Emissions Plan in 2014 and has emissions reduction goals of 33% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, relative to 2007 levels. McEwen also mentioned the B.C. Mayors Climate Leadership Council's endorsement of the Climate Leadership Team's recommendations.
Jeff Fisher, vice president and senior policy advisor with the Urban Development Institute, followed with a presentation focused on incentives and financial mechanisms to support green construction. Fisher also pointed out some disincentives that exist and outlined UDI's relevant policy recommendations.
Last month, the Pembina Institute released its formal submission for the B.C. government’s second consultation period toward the Climate Leadership Plan. The institute supports the 32 recommendations put forth by the Climate Leadership Team and encourages the government to implement the package of recommendations as a minimum bar for a strong plan.
Does your B.C. business support a stronger carbon tax? We hope you will consider signing on to a letter calling for the province to commit to next steps on the carbon tax.
On March 17, Webinar 4 will look at maintaining a strong economy while moving ahead with climate policy.
The Pembina Institute is grateful for support from the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, Schein Foundation, Sitka Foundation and Vancity for this webinar series.
Want more information and updates on the B.C. Climate Leadership Plan from the Pembina Institute? Please sign up by emailing ClimateLeadership@pembina.org.