Maple Ridge adopts net zero community greenhouse gas emission targets

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C.—City officials in Maple Ridge have approved efforts to curb the city’s community greenhouse gas emissions. The city will attempt reach net zero emissions from 2010 levels by 2050, with an interim reduction goal of 45 per cent.

“These goals align with the scientific assessments made by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,” reads a statement by the city. “The current reduction target of 80 per cent from 2007 levels by 2050 was established more than a decade ago.”

The changes stem from a report received by city council outlining strategies to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. In the report, staff recommend that the city explore the introduction of several measures, including:

• Mandating compliance with the BC Energy Step Code for new construction.
• Reinforcing development requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Connecting homeowners with ways to make their homes energy efficient and EV-ready.

The city stated staff will start preparing an amendment to the city’s official community plan to adopt the new targets, which will be brought forward for public consultation later this year.