Environmental and Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee

THAT Report 2024-388, titled “2024 Climate Action Implementation Plan and Update” BE RECEIVED; and THAT the following comments from the Environmental and Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee regarding the update to the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan BE INCLUDED in Staff’s future report to Committee of the Whole – Operations: explore the use of the sewage water system for heating and cooling systems in corporate buildings; and implement low-flow water fixtures, such as efficient toilets and faucets, to reduce water consumption and enhance water conservation efforts; and transition the city’s fleet vehicles to electricity or natural gas, aiming to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation options; and implement smart water metering systems to monitor stormwater usage, enabling better management and conservation practices; and plant more trees on city-owned properties to improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance the overall urban environment; and offer incentives for sustainable practices even in areas where the city lacks direct jurisdiction (i.e. private properties), demonstrating commitment to broader environmental goals; and retrofit existing properties with energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy consumption, and promoting long-term sustainability.

THAT Report 2024-389, titled “2024 ESPAC Budget” BE RECEIVED; and THAT $5,000 BE ALLOCATED for tree planting initiatives for endangered native species that are climate resilient.

THAT Report 2024-390, titled “GreenER Awards Nomination Review” BE RECEIVED; and THAT Wilfred Laurier University Brantford Campus BE PRESENTED with the Green Business Award; and THAT Bryanna Leeder BE PRESENTED with the Young Environmental Champion award.

THAT the Environmental and Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee minutes from December 14, 2023 BE APPROVED.

A. THAT Report 2024-388, titled “2024 Climate Action Implementation Plan and Update” BE RECEIVED; and B. THAT the following comments from the Environmental and Sustainability Policy Advisory Committee regarding the update to the Corporate Climate Change Action Plan BE INCLUDED in Staff’s future report to Committee of the Whole – Operations: i. explore the use of the sewage water system for heating and cooling systems in corporate buildings; and ii. implement low-flow water fixtures, such as efficient toilets and faucets, to reduce water consumption and enhance water conservation efforts; and iii. transition the city’s fleet vehicles to electricity or natural gas, aiming to reduce emissions and promote cleaner transportation options; and iv. implement smart water metering systems to monitor stormwater usage, enabling better management and conservation practices; and v. plant more trees on city-owned properties to improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance the overall urban environment; and 3 vi. offer incentives for sustainable practices even in areas where the city lacks direct jurisdiction (i.e. private properties), demonstrating commitment to broader environmental goals; and vii. retrofit existing properties with energy-efficient technologies, reducing energy consumption, and promoting long-term sustainability.

A. THAT Report 2024-389, titled “2024 ESPAC Budget” BE RECEIVED; and B. THAT $5,000 BE ALLOCATED for tree planting initiatives for endangered native species that are climate resilient.

A. THAT Report 2024-390, titled “GreenER Awards Nomination Review” BE RECEIVED; and 4 B. THAT Wilfred Laurier University Brantford Campus BE PRESENTED with the Green Business Award; and C. THAT Bryanna Leeder BE PRESENTED with the Young Environmental Champion award.