Calgary’s greenhouse gas emissions are down slightly from 2005, despite a 45 per cent population increase since then
The presentation, led by members of the city’s climate and environment team, outlined that 80 per cent of the CIP’s actions are either completed or in progress, and that carbon emissions are trending downward.
The CIP focuses on eight areas, including city design and development; buildings and homes; energy; mobility; waste and consumption; water; nature and ecology; and people.
Despite Calgary’s 45 per cent population growth in the past 20 years, the staff report claimed that community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are just over one per cent lower now than a 2005 baseline.
But on a more impressive-sounding note, the report claims that per-capita GHG emissions have dropped 32 per cent in that time.
Dawn Smith, manager of governance and reporting for the climate and environment team, said the positive trends can be attributed to the continued decarbonization of Alberta’s electricity grid, improved energy performance, a decrease in natural gas and electricity usage, and growth and investment in renewable energy.
“While much was accomplished in 2023, to meet our target of net zero by 2050, continued commitment and action is required over the coming years and decades to reduce emissions while Calgary continues to experience rapid population and prepare for future climate growth,” Smith said.
“In addition, local climate events will continue to increase in severity and frequency with global climate change, requiring continued investment in building Calgary’s climate resilience to reduce the significant social, health and safety, financial and environmental impacts of the future.”
Net zero by 2050?
Similar to the federal government’s objectives, the city is aiming to reduce community-wide emissions to 60 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and for Calgary to be completely carbon-neutral by 2050.
To do that, the city intends to reach an interim target of emitting 6.32 megatonnes (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by 2030. In 2022, the city emitted 16.35 MT of CO2e.
A mid-year performance report to council in September 2023 indicated that emissions in Calgary were still 3.5 per cent above 2005 levels in 2022, and slightly above levels recorded in 2021 and 2020.
But the needle has moved since then, according to Smith, who noted the city’s own corporate GHG emissions are down 42 per cent from 2005 levels.
She highlighted a series of city programs launched in 2023, such as the Clean Energy Improvement Program, Green Buildings Priority Stream and Alternative Low Carbon Fuel Options.
However, Smith stressed that investments made last year intend to bring down future carbon emissions, rather than affect present levels.
“Actual emissions are a long-term outcome,” she said. “Projects and programs initiated last year, with that budget, those emissions aren’t even experienced yet.
“Those are buildings still being built, assets still being procured. Those emissions will be released over the next 25 to 30 years, as we operate those assets.”
City releases new dashboard
The web portal has a public interface, providing up-to-date information on Calgary’s emissions targets and allowing Calgarians to monitor the city’s progress.
After Wednesday’s meeting, committee chair Coun. Courtney Walcott praised the new tool, adding its ability to allow users to cross-reference in real time is “so much better than a quarterly or yearly report.”
Walcott added he is “excited” about Calgary’s progress on its climate targets, but said that his excitement comes with a level of caution.
“I’m really excited about the progress we’re making from the programs we’re running, but I’m cautious because the phaseout of coal gave us this massive buffer of GHG reductions that is going to allow our population to grow and look good on our per-capita basis,” he said.
The committee accepted Wednesday’s report for information.