Due Diligence Required - Climate Emergency Action Plan
BOWDA’s feedback on the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP) is the result of discussions and feedback with our Housing Action Committee, Sustainability Committee and other members. We would like to thank administration for their work thus far and everyone who has contributed to this document to date.
BOWDA and its members continue to look at new ways to improve energy efficiency with theirs designs, products and in our building systems - approaching this issue in a realistic, balanced and thoughtful manner.
1. Targets – It is unclear to BOWDA how targets in this report were determined. Further clarification would be appreciated.
2. Engagement to date – BOWDA appreciated being involved in the SSG facilitated session. BOWDA members and non-members on the call were in agreement that it did not feel authentic, that it felt rushed and that it did not provide an adequate opportunity for various industry sectors to share feedback. This may have been a result of a vague discussion points and inadequate time allotted for proper discussion.
3. Resilient Energy Efficient Buildings – BOWDA feels that more work is needed and is prepared to work with the Town and other stakeholders to help better define and quantify targets, and measurement methodologies to ensure greater chances of success. This would include any proposed incentives for designing and building above and beyond the NBC – Alberta Edition. BOWDA reiterates that governing Provincial Acts and Regulations to be respected to avoid potential overstep and/or overreach by the municipality.
4. Health, Economic, Financial Analysis – A cost benefit analysis of key actions and/or goals must be undertaken to better understand the investments required, associated costs and potential savings. BOWDA supports a rigorous plan and process in regard to this item.
5. Scenario Modeling/Feasibility – It is incumbent on all parties to review various suggested models and assess realities of these options. ex. Municipal buildings to be 50% more efficient by 2030. Unrealistic or cost-prohibitive options may not serve the community in a way that is best value for our collective investment and desired outcomes.
6. Infrastructure redundancy – A cost benefit analysis of redundancy efforts must be completed to assess present and future economic impacts and ensure those paying are also benefiting.
7. Inflow and Infiltration (pipes) – the most sustainable (on both an economic and environmental basis) approach is to ensure that existing infrastructure is as efficient and productive as possible. BOWDA recommends a comprehensive review of existing I & I issues and the development of a plan to significantly reduce this issue.
8. Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure – BOWDA continues to monitor the demand for, and expectations associated with this infrastructure BOWDA assesses its impact on project costs and retrofit realities in terms of space use, code requirements and grid/neighborhood capacity. At the moment, the costs outweigh the demand for these units by a significant margin; futureproofing is important, but again, a cost-benefit analysis and ROI study will help inform these decisions. BOWDA have heard from multiple developers who have integrated EV capability into their projects with very little subscription to date. We look forward to the findings of the Town’s EV case studies.
9. Cost/Benefit Analysis – new ‘green’ jobs are welcomed, economic benefits must also look to preserve and enhance existing jobs and sectors. That 5,900 person years of employment will be created as of result of this plan needs more explanation. How was this determined for Canmore? Is this a net amount? It would be helpful to better understand which sectors or jobs will be most impacted, which have an opportunity to be transformed and which have the highest opportunity to be created. Did this report reference the Labour Market Recruitment and Retention study or the land use report?
10. Heat pumps – there are referenced multiple times in the report; while a good option for some, these units continue to face issues during the coldest parts of our winter months and require backup systems (electric or gas heating) when they are outside of the operational parameters (below -15—17 Celsius) In addition to that, heat pumps are but one mechanical/heating strategy and should be considered alongside other design decisions including better envelopes and more holistic energy modeling.
11. Industry Engagement (future) – As a key stakeholder that plays a crucial role going forward, BOWDA supports a deeper exploration of this issue with industry stakeholders at the table providing helpful feedback, insight and solutions.
12. Density – BOWDA is encouraged by the recommendation to increase densities in our central neighborhoods. BOWDA does suggest that a stronger connection between density, infill and transportation investments is acknowledged and utilized going forward to work to offset the significant GHG emissions as they work hand in hand.
13. Implementation Plan – While BOWDA does acknowledge that most costs are front-loaded, BOWDA is concerned with the expected and anticipated revenue generation and believe this has significant exposure to the Town, business owners and ratepayers. A successful and implementable plan requires not only municipal leadership, but industry and community buy-in and support. This must also be keenly aware of potential legislative limitations that could impact a variety of the items within the report. Finally, BOWDA believes that it is premature that SSG to recommend that the CAEP ‘must be implemented in full’.
This Fall we hope to explore many of these topics at the Building for Sustainability Symposium, build capacity in these critical areas and connect participants in the hope of continuing to advance our commitment to this area of discussion and action now and in the future. Stewardship and leadership take many forms and will require us all to come together to address these important topics.
An optimistic and ambitious plan is laudable but venturing into ‘uncharted territories’ must be done in a manner responsible and respectful of all ratepayers (present, future, and commercial). We applaud the efforts to address equity and affordability in this report and are supportive in advancing both as community building efforts, including Canmore’s ‘unique context’ that compels Council to acknowledge issues around affordability and deliverability when it comes to our built-form and housing. Urgent action must be paired with due diligence.
BOWDA is not yet prepared to support this plan as we are of the opinion that more work must be done to ensure that it is flexible, adaptive and responsive to practical, and economic realities when it comes to mitigation, implementation, and adaptation. We do look forward to working with the Town and other partners to bring clarity, depth and more definition to this document and subject matter.
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Learn more, read the plan:
https://www.mycanmore.ca/climateaction
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RMO - June 27, 2024