Saanich beats emissions target

Times Colonist

The District of Saanich has exceeded its target for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions -- ahead of schedule.

Officials announced yesterday that in 2008, municipal emissions fell by 10.6 per cent compared with 2004. In 2007, the target for beating 2004 was set at 2010.

Achieving the reduction is the result of such initiatives as: the installation of low-energy LED lights in traffic signals, retrofitting all municipal buildings, fleet anti-idling programs, a fleet program to fit the right vehicle for the right job, and replacement of 12 older vehicles with hybrids.

Emissions are calculated by a method that adds up all the energy sources used in municipal operations and assigning a standardized conversion factor. These sources are then tracked.

Mark Boysen, the municipality's sustainability co-ordinator, said many of the changes so far have been "no-brainers."

Boysen said the municipality is committed to further, and if need be more difficult, reductions in future. A climate action plan is in the works.

Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard said he is proud of the efforts by its 1,500 municipal employees: "We set the policy at the high level at council but it has to be embraced by staff, achieved by staff."

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