REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 24, 2015 Report No. DEV-15-008
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Marlene Lagoa, Community Development Coordinator
SUBJECT:
Title
2014 Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program Report
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Public Report for 2014 and direct staff to submit a copy to the Province, as well as posting it to the municipal website, by March 8, 2015.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
BC Climate Action Charter
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision does not relate directly to any of Council’s Strategic Priorities.
BACKGROUND:
The Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) is a conditional grant program that provides funding to BC Climate Action Charter (Charter) signatories equivalent to 100% of the carbon taxes paid. To receive funding, signatories must report annually on their progress toward meeting their climate action goals. The deadline for reporting to the Province is March 8, 2015.
Three reports were completed to meet the requirements for the 2014 reporting year: CARIP Public Report, Corporate GHG Inventory, and Carbon Tax Form. These reports, along with a copy of the Climate Action Charter and comparative tables, are attached to this staff report as the following schedules:
Schedule A: BC Climate Action Charter
Schedule B: Climate Action Revenue Incentive (CARIP) Public Report for 2014 [DRAFT]
Schedule C: Corporate GHG Inventory (2014)
Schedule D: Table - Corporate Energy Use and GHG Emissions, 2013 vs. 2014
Schedule E: Table - Carbon Tax Paid (Grant), 2008 - 2014
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
Completing the CARIP Report is required for the Township to be refunded $26,961 of carbon tax paid in 2014. By completing the report in conjunction with measuring and reporting corporate GHG emissions, the Township is recognized by the Province as a “Climate Action Community”.
2. Organizational Implications
The preparation and submission of all reporting under the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program is part of the Community Development Coordinator’s annual work plan. Municipal staff was consulted, as required, for the collection and verification of information. The Chief Financial Officer must review and sign for all reports being submitted to the Province.
3. Financial Implications
By completing the 2014 CARIP Report, the Township will be receiving a 2014 Carbon Tax Grant of $26,961 which will be deposited in the Sustainability Reserve Fund. The Sustainability Reserve Fund is used only to fund sustainability initiatives. As of December 31, 2014, the balance of the fund was at $138,712.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no direct environmental implications of completing CARIP reporting. The reporting provides an opportunity for the Township to annually review and update its progress on implementing projects that lower corporate and community-based emissions.
In 2014 the Township reduced its energy and fuel consumption from all sources for an overall reduction of GHG emissions of 70 tonnes. The results of the Recreation Centre and Archie Browning Sports Centre energy retrofits are evident in the reduction of natural gas by 550 GJ between the two centres and electrical savings of 300,000 kWh at the Archie Browning Sports Centre.
Please note that the only consistent performance measurement is comparing the quantity of fuel used over time as GHG emissions factors are updated annually. For example, the emission factor for BC Hydro fluctuates based on the utility’s total domestic supply. In 2013 it was 14 tCO2e/GWh vs. 10 tCO2e/GWh in 2014.
5. Communication & Engagement
A draft of the CARIP Report was distributed to Directors and Managers for review and input on January 27, 2015. Once approved, the 2014 CARIP Report will be posted to the municipal website, submitted to the Province, and distributed to Directors and Managers, by March 8, 2015.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) Public Report for 2014 and direct staff to submit a copy to the Province, as well as posting it to the municipal website, by March 8, 2015.
2. That Council amend the 2014 CARIP Report and approve the report as amended.
3. That Council request further information from staff.