Clarington receives funding for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study

Clarington, Ontario – Clarington has received a $166,080 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to conduct a feasibility study that will help identify ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Municipal buildings. This grant, which is being provided through GMF’s Community Buildings Retrofit initiative, will help the Municipality respond to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Clarington will use this funding to undertake a study of greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures it can implement in its municipal facilities, such as upgrading all lighting in municipal buildings to energy efficient LEDs or implementing HVAC improvements. The goal is to reduce emissions in buildings by at least 50 per cent within 10 years and by at least 80 per cent in 20 years.

“In Clarington, we are taking action to protect our quality of life from the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “Thank you to FCM for supporting our commitment to reducing our municipal greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing our environmental impact. It will make a difference for our community’s future.”

The effects of climate change are already being felt by communities in Durham Region, including in Clarington. Climate modelling projections indicate that these impacts will become more intense and severe over the coming decades. Through its Corporate Climate Action Plan, Clarington has outlined 115 actions to respond to the causes and impacts of climate change, with a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Investing in climate mitigation and adaptation at the local level reduces long-term costs and builds a safer and more resilient future for residents of municipalities like Clarington. With smart investments and effective planning, our communities are better prepared for the current climate change crisis and for climate changes to come,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians. At a time when we are facing challenges with affordability and climate change, this partnership with the Municipality of Clarington supports a long-term approach to energy-efficient improvements that make it more affordable to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Projects like this are showcasing the real-world benefits outlined in Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy, which is a plan to save Canadians money, create jobs and seize the economic opportunities of a sustainable future,” said The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The Green Municipal Fund provides funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,000 person-years of employment, supported over 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

"Communities, big or small, are key to climate action. Public buildings like arenas and community centres are major contributors to municipal greenhouse gas emissions. The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is helping municipalities like Clarington become net-zero communities. In 2023-24, GMF's Community Building Retrofit initiative supported over 60 projects in more than 50 communities nationwide. Together, we can enhance community infrastructure, speed up the path to net zero, and help Canada achieve its climate goals," said Geoff Stewart, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Visit www.clarington.net/ClimateChange to learn more about climate change and action in Clarington.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Jess Khouri
Communications Specialist
jkhouri@clarington.net