North Cowichan’s bold action related to climate and energy has been recognized through an award for the community’s net zero RCMP detachment facility.
A panel of judges chose North Cowichan as one of seven communities to win Climate & Energy Action Awards presented today at the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria.
The new Net Zero RCMP detachment facility was described by judges as “a collaboration showcase” for bringing together municipal, provincial and Indigenous policing services, with a dedicated space for Indigenous celebrations.
The judges added: “This 50,000 sq ft multi-purpose, high-performance facility is all-electric including an air filtration system to protect against wildfire smoke. Heat pumps and a 100-kW rooftop solar array are helping reduce energy by 77% and GHG emissions by 97% compared to the old building. Daylight sensors and exterior sunshades cut lighting loads by 25% and reduce cooling demand by 45%.”
A summary of the 2025 winners of Climate and Energy Action Awards in this announcement from the Community Energy Association: https://www.communityenergy.ca/2025-climate-energy-action-award-winners-announced/
The Climate and Energy Action awards have been presented at UBCM by the Community Energy Association for more than 25 years. The awards recognize BC municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous communities that are showing leadership in climate action and sustainability.
This year, a record 29 nominations included plans and strategies, transportation initiatives, new and renovated buildings, energy projects, and public engagement initiatives.
