Climate Action

Climate Action and Energy Plan

The Climate Action and Energy Plan (CAEP) identifies opportunities to reduce North Cowichan's energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through community actions, policy, and other municipal mechanisms by 80% by 2050. The CAEP was adopted by Council in 2013 and updated in 2022 through a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The CAEP articulated seven categories of actions, informed by technical analysis and research, and significant engagement with the public, the Environmental Advisory Committee and Council:

  1. Compact, complete communities
  2. Efficient buildings
  3. Low-carbon transportation
  4. Local renewable energy generation
  5. Renewable energy procurement
  6. Efficient water and waste
  7. Low-carbon industry, agriculture, and forestry

Climate Adaptation

Climate change is already affecting North Cowichan, including through hotter, drier summers and increased winter flooding. Preparing for future conditions will help protect our community, infrastructure, natural environment and economy.

North Cowichan's Climate Adaptation Strategy identifies actions to reduce climate risks and build a more resilient community. It builds on regional climate adaptation work led by the Cowichan Valley Regional District cowichanadapts.ca.

The strategy includes 10 objectives organized under three areas of action. Progress will be monitored over time and actions adjusted as climate conditions and risks change.

CAEP Reserve Fund

Funding for climate action is facilitated by a 0.5% tax which is put into a reserve fund annually (CAEP Reserve Fund). Energy savings realized from projects enabled from the fund are also put back into the fund. Money from the fund can then be used to offset the costs of future climate action which will help to ensure sustainable funding sources into the future and reduce the municipality's capital budgets. 

The CAEP Reserve Fund was established in 2014 and the Terms of Reference was updated in 2022 to guide the management and expenditures from the fund.

See the Climate Action Community Grants webpage for more information. 

Provincial Climate Action Reporting

Each year, North Cowichan reports on corporate (municipal operations) emissions to the B.C. Government. As of 2022, the Municipality reports through the Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP).