Get your booster dose   |   Rapid antigen testing kits are free at pharmacies
Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

close menu Office of the Premier

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Indigenous-led plan for community centre moves forward

May 6, 2022 10:15 AM
New centre to support Indigenous youth
A concept plan for a new Indigenous centre is moving forward on the territories of the Coast Salish peoples in Vancouver.
  Read More

Student housing triples in Abbotsford

May 13, 2022 12:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

New funding sprouts more growth for B.C. seeds

May 5, 2022 8:15 AM
The Province is increasing support for B.C. seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
  Read More

B.C. Land Matching Program reaches new milestone

April 13, 2022 9:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

New accessible, affordable homes underway in Vancouver

May 16, 2022 1:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

BC Data Catalogue improved, updated to serve British Columbians better

May 16, 2022 10:30 AM
From data about wildfires and floods to natural resource and tech-sector insights, finding a wide variety of key information has become easier and more secure for British Columbians with the launch of an improved and updated BC Data Catalogue.
  Read More

Modernized, streamlined registry makes registering personal property easier

April 15, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds

April 29, 2022 11:15 AM
Kids, families benefit from more funding for accessible school playgrounds
More than 7,000 B.C students will have access to new, safe and accessible playgrounds as the Province invests in the Playground Equipment Program (PEP) for the fifth year in a row to support healthy and active lifestyles.
  Read More

Minister’s statement on child care month

May 1, 2022 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
  Read More

New oil and gas royalty system ending inefficient subsidies

May 19, 2022 1:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
  Read More

Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC

February 22, 2022 1:40 PM
Budget 2022 moves us forward together to build a StrongerBC
Budget 2022 reflects the choices government is making that are needed to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people, by investing in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
  Read More

More than $530,000 raised in support of Ukraine

March 22, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
  Read More

Forest employment program provides jobs, supports communities

May 13, 2022 11:35 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
  Read More

New primary care centre opens in Chilliwack

May 13, 2022 11:50 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

B.C. increases forest revenue sharing with First Nations in step toward new fiscal relationship

April 27, 2022 12:45 PM
Photo of trees with icon of hands and trees in white overtop
Text reads: Doubling First Nation forestry revenue rates
British Columbia is more than doubling the forestry revenues that will be shared with First Nations as part of the work to co-develop a new forestry revenue-sharing model.
  Read More

B.C., First Nations leadership help communities recover

April 21, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
  Read More

Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation

May 19, 2022 3:00 PM
Trade mission will showcase B.C.’s strong reputation
As the next step in the StrongerBC Economic Plan and as part of bringing good-paying jobs for people and families back to British Columbia, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, will embark on a 10-day trade mission to Europe.
  Read More

People in Merritt will benefit from rural development supports

May 13, 2022 7:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

Single-step certification will protect right to join a union

April 6, 2022 1:51 PM
Single-step certification will protect right to join a union
Changes that make collective bargaining more accessible will help protect workers who want more say about workplace safety, compensation and benefits.
  Read More

B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
  Read More

Ministers’ statement on Invasive Species Action Month

May 6, 2022 3:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act

April 28, 2022 10:18 AM
New service helps clarify rights under Mental Health Act
The Province has introduced legislation that will help people experiencing a mental-health crisis better understand their rights and the supports available to them.
  Read More

Expanding access to mental-health supports for health-care, social service workers

May 6, 2022 11:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage

April 25, 2022 1:30 PM
Ukrainians fleeing violence get immediate MSP coverage
Displaced Ukrainians arriving in B.C. with visas issued under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) will now have access to date-of-arrival Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage.
  Read More

Pandemic relief funds help libraries adapt to changing needs

May 17, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Province, mayors co-ordinate investigation into prolific offenders

May 5, 2022 12:50 PM
Making our communities safer
The Province, in co-operation with British Columbia’s Urban Mayors’ Caucus (BCUMC), has hired two experts to investigate and report on prolific offenders and random violent attacks, and the necessary actions.
  Read More

B.C. seeks public input on consumer experiences

May 16, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria

May 12, 2022 1:00 PM
Funding helps strengthen food security in Greater Victoria
Residents with limited income living in Greater Victoria will soon have improved access to local and nutritious food.
  Read More

Helping more British Columbians visit the dentist

May 4, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection

May 13, 2022 1:33 PM
Historic investment to build modern, new RBCM, safeguard collection
A new state-of-the-art and seismically safe Royal BC Museum (RBCM) is coming to Victoria and will be more accessible for all British Columbians.
  Read More

Province bolsters support for live music events

May 18, 2022 1:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement

May 9, 2022 12:00 PM
Province launches Surrey Langley SkyTrain engagement
The public is invited to have their say on the first rapid transit project south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
  Read More

New commercial inspection station near Terrace will improve road safety

May 4, 2022 8:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Advanced Education and Skills Training
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C.'s carbon-neutral government takes next step

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Read Bio

Contact

Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM
Supporting local climate action
Stronger collaboration, planning and action to reduce climate pollution and build protection for local communities will result from the new CleanBC Local Government Climate Action Program.
  Read More

Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

B.C.'s carbon-neutral government takes next step

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01797

Share

News Release

Victoria
Thursday, April 5, 2012 1:00 PM

Share

News Release

Victoria

Thursday, April 5, 2012 1:00 PM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Climate Preparedness and Adaptation
  • Plastics Engagement
  • Towards a Clean Growth Future
  • Climage Change and Climate Action
  • Environmental Assessment Revitalization
  • Professional Reliance

Featured Services

  • Translink
  • Environmental Protection & Sustainability
  • BC Parks
  • Recreation Sites and Trails
  • Conservation Officer Service
  • Report All Polluters & Poachers
  • Environmental Assessment Office

VANCOUVER -The provincial government is reaffirming its commitment to being the first carbon-neutral government in North America through a new $5-million capital program that's available to school districts for energy-efficiency projects that will lower their carbon emissions, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced.

Starting in 2012/13, the new K-12 energy-efficiency capital program will be available to boards of education through the Ministry of Education. The amount of available funding has been set to be equal to or greater than the total paid by school boards each year for purchases of carbon offsets from the Pacific Carbon Trust.

In addition to the new funding, Lake also announced program enhancements for all public sector organizations:

  • Eliminating Measurement Costs: SMARTTool administration costs will no longer be charged to public sector organizations, resulting in $850,000 cost savings that will be absorbed by the Pacific Carbon Trust.
  • Pacific Carbon Trust Advisory Panel: To ensure the Pacific Carbon Trust's offset portfolio meets the needs of stakeholders, the Pacific Carbon Trust will create an advisory panel. The panel will play an ongoing role in reviewing the structure and diversity of the carbon offset portfolio and provide suggestions regarding future offset opportunities. The panel will include representatives from the private and public sectors that purchase offsets from PCT, as well as select carbon-industry experts.
  • Streamlining current system: The establishment of a link that will feed energy data directly into the SMARTTool to reduce administrative costs associated with measuring emissions.

The enhancements are in response to stakeholder engagement that took place between October and December of last year and included leaders from the academic, health care and other public sector organizations. http://bit.ly/HLVoHj

Quotes:

Head of the B.C. School Trustees Association, Michael McEvoy -

"B.C. boards of education strongly support the reduction of GHG emissions. The funds will allow us to invest in energy efficiencies for our schools that will save money, save energy and improve the environment for our students now and into the future."

Minister of Environment, Terry Lake -

"Innovative public policy like carbon-neutral government requires consultation, collaboration and a belief that by doing what we can at home we can impact global warming. That's why we measure our emissions, reduce them to the greatest extent possible and get the public sector to zero by investing in reduction projects at home and across B.C."

Minister of Education, George Abbott, "B.C. schools are an important part of our carbon neutral government and provide an ideal opportunity for students to participate in climate action leadership. This funding will allow students to continue this participation as the schools continue their investment in energy efficiency."

Carbon neutral quick facts:

* The new K-12 energy efficiency program will be operated under the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement framework, which includes partnerships with BC Hydro and FortisBC.

* The Carbon Neutral Government Regulation came into effect in December 2008. It sets out details concerning measurement, reporting and offsetting emissions by public-sector organizations that are required to comply with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act.

* In 2010, B.C. became the first province or state in North America to take full responsibility for its emissions. Government's approach to carbon neutrality drives down greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution, reduces energy costs and produces savings public sector organizations can reinvest in energy saving projects. Those projects, in turn, create jobs in B.C.'s clean energy sector.

* Since 2008, B.C. has committed $75 million to public sector energy projects through the Public Sector Energy Conservation Agreement (PSECA) as additional funding for public sector energy projects. $25 million has been provided through PSECA and through other funds to school boards.

* To date, school district projects have achieved annual energy cost savings of more than $12.6 million, while reducing GHGs by over 35,600 tonnes.

* A carbon offset represents one tonne less of carbon dioxide (C02) in our atmosphere. It is created when an organization is supported to invest in real emissions-reducing activities (called an offset project).

Learn More:

* BC Newsroom - Ministry of Environment: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/environment-1

* http://bit.ly/HMiYUu

* http://www.livesmartbc.ca/government/carbon_neutral

BACKGROUNDER

Carbon Neutral Basics

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does carbon neutral mean?

Carbon neutral means taking responsibility for the greenhouse gases emitted by our activities, whether it's an individual, a business or a government. The goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Q. How do you achieve net zero carbon emissions?

The provincial public sector has taken full responsibility and achieved 'net zero' carbon emissions by measuring its emissions, reducing them as much as possible, and offsetting the rest.

Q. What is a carbon offset?

A carbon offset represents one less tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the earth's atmosphere. It is created when an organization is supported to invest in a real emissions-reducing activity, which is called an offset project.

Q. Where are the offsets purchased?

The offsets are purchased through the Pacific Carbon Trust (PCT), which is a Crown corporation that delivers made-in-B.C. green house gas offsets that help organizations and the public sector reduce their carbon footprint.

Q. Is this the only way to purchase offsets?

Yes. Pacific Carbon Trust provides access to high-quality, B.C.-based carbon offsets that are in compliance with the emission offsets regulation established under the British Columbia Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act.

Q. Shouldn't we try to reduce emissions to the point that we don't need to buy offsets?

Carbon emissions are a by-product of economic activity that takes place around the world.

B.C.'s public sector is leading by example to reduce its carbon emissions, but we can't eliminate them entirely. What we can do is measure our emissions, reduce them where possible, and purchase offsets that reduce carbon emissions at home or somewhere else, thereby contributing net zero emissions to the global atmosphere.

Q. Is buying offsets necessary to be carbon neutral?

Yes. It's based on the principle that, since climate change is a global problem, an emission reduction made elsewhere has the same positive effect as one made locally. It doesn't matter where you cut carbon - it just matters how much. That's why B.C.'s public sector measures its carbon emissions, reduces them where possible, and offsets the balance by investing in carbon reduction projects.

Q. Why is it important to be carbon neutral?

Striving to be carbon neutral helps B.C. tackle global climate change. Climate change risk factors include severe economic, social and environmental consequences that have already cost B.C. millions of dollars in lost jobs, economic decline and have impacted communities. Carbon neutrality is about leadership - putting government's house in order as it asks businesses, communities and individuals to do the same.

Q: What is the Province doing to help average British Columbians cut carbon?

The Province encourages British Columbians to visit LiveSmart BC for information on incentives for your home or business, as well as information about easy and free ways to save energy and money.

Contact:

Karen Johnston
Communications Director
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9973
250 812-0495 (cell)


https://news.gov.bc.ca/01797

Related Articles

B.C. launches new program to accelerate local climate action

May 16, 2022 10:45 AM

Earth Day spurs action on plastic pollution

April 22, 2022 2:00 PM

Most BC Parks open for May long weekend

May 20, 2022 8:30 AM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media