The BC government has asked for input on clean transportation, clean and efficient buildings, and a clean-growth program for industry. The government is seeking to meet legislated carbon reduction targets and take responsibility for building a low-carbon economy for current and future generations. As global markets shift towards a demand for cleaner solutions, BC must take a leadership role.
The Surrey Board of Trade provided input by Friday’s deadline (August 24) into the Intention Papers that will inform the government’s strategy.
“In summary, the Surrey Board of Trade wants the BC Government to focus on passing legislation that will encourage businesses and stakeholders to use processes, equipment, automobiles, systems etc. that will generate as little polluting waste as possible and with the smallest carbon footprint,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
“The BC Government can incentivize technology that will use renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy. Encourage innovation, research and development within BC, targeted on the reduction of carbon emissions in various polluting sectors. The Surrey Board of Trade wants the BC Government to invest in a “Zero Waste” culture throughout BC.”
“Rebate programs are not enough to ensure a “clean growth future. The impacts of such programs to carbon emissions or energy consumption across BC may not be significant. I cannot think of any significant incentive or rebate currently in place that significantly affect people’s mindset to change to something more environmentally friendly.”
What needs immediate consideration:
Transportation sector – Buses, cars, trucks etc. – 39% of carbon emissions – what are we doing to motivate people to buy electric and convert to electric vehicles? What rebates are currently in place? How can we trigger some measurable change in conversion to electric? Investment in millions of dollars to construct charging stations across major road routes is an option. Should we have an EV lane in major highways just like HOV lanes?
Light and Heavy Industry, Small, medium and Large Commercial Businesses – Saw mills, industrial manufacturing facilities, trucking companies etc. How do we get them to move away from fossil fuels and convert into other renewable energy options? How do we get them to reduce emissions?
Buildings – Residential, Commercial, Industrial – We need energy efficient buildings. The energy step code approach, which Surrey just implemented, is a good step forward. Is this now mandated by legislation or are municipalities just taking the initiative to implement due to their own motivation to reduce energy consumption within cities?
Zero Waste – Reduce, reuse, recycle waste in every sector. Pass legislation that enforces the zero-waste culture targeting municipalities and businesses and giving money back to them if they achieve certain goals. This will help deal with the landfill space issue within the region as well. Pass legislation to deal with plastics or any other non-biodegradable waste.
Surrey will be the largest city in British Columbia very soon. The Surrey Board of Trade recognizes the value that clean energy activity brings to Surrey’s economic foundations. Surrey itself has been a leader in environmentally focused strategies in building our city.
The Surrey Board of Trade Environment Team reviews issues that impact businesses while promoting the development of green initiatives and a clean energy future. Under the guidance of the Team, the Surrey Board of Trade is a member of the National Zero Waste Council.
For the complete feedback letter, CLICK HERE.
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