Clean Energy Canada | Ottawa commits to use more clean energy in government operations
November 2, 2016

Library of Parliament, Ottawa.

OTTAWA—Sarah Petrevan, senior policy advisor at Clean Energy Canada, responded today to the federal government’s commitment to cut carbon emissions from government operations by 40 per cent by 2030, and use 100 per cent clean power in all operations run by Public Services and Procurement Canada by 2025:    

“By committing to use more clean power in government buildings and improving energy efficiency, the federal government is walking the talk and showing Canadians it’s serious about reducing carbon pollution and investing in clean growth.

“As more governments, companies and individuals choose clean power, it can drive innovation and make more clean energy technology and choices available in Canada and the global marketplace.”

KEY FACTS

  • Renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, and water currently meet 65 per cent of Canada’s electricity needs. (Source: National Energy Board)
  • Canada ranks fourth in the world in renewable power generation, and second in the world for hydro generation. (Source: National Energy Board)
  • Wind power capacity grew twenty-fold from 2005 to 2015, and solar capacity grew 125-fold over the same period. (Source: National Energy Board)
  • The government of Alberta has indicated it intends to power half of its operations with solar power, and has sourced all of its electricity from renewable resources since 2009. (Source: Government of Alberta)
  • British Columbia achieved carbon-neutral status for government operations in 2010, and Ontario has committed to accomplish the same by 2018. (Source: Governments of British Columbia and Ontario)

RESOURCES

Government of Canada announcement and backgrounder on “greening government” (Nov. 2, 2016)

National Energy Board report, Canada’s Renewable Power Landscape – Energy Market Analysis (October 2016)