Climate Action
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is the gradual global increase in temperature that impacts various elements of the climate differently depending on where you live. This change is caused by the increase in various gases, referred to as greenhouse gases (GHGs), being released into the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, natural gas, coal, etc.
The impacts from climate change are happening in Woolwich. They include increased extreme rain events, increased hot days and hot nights and longer heat waves, poorer air quality, increased winter precipitation and shorter warmer winter seasons.
Collectively as a community, and as individuals, we need to focus on reducing our carbon emissions and move toward a carbon neutral future by 2050. This means reducing our emissions as much as possible, and putting in place means of absorbing carbon (such as trees) to offset those emissions.
To see the daily average reading for atmospheric Carbon on the planet click on the red Carbon Counter Button!
Check out yesterday's
Carbon Count
Check out our Climate Action Events!
Climate Actions Taken by the Township
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Supporting Greening Activities Towards a Healthy Environment
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- The Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) is a volunteer committee supported by
- Woolwich Township and Woolwich Healthy Communities
- Trees for Woolwich - A volunteer group that has planted more than 50,000 trees since 2011
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Incorporating Greening into Township Planning
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- The Elmira Green Infrastructure Report - Endorsed by Council in 2018 this 20-year plan to "green" Elmira addresses "Green Infrastructure" with a focus on increasing the canopy cover in Elmira (2018-2028)
- 2019 Design Guidelines - Greening design components include; incorporating active transportation modes and addressing appropriate density consistent with the Township's growth management strategy
- Township of Woolwich Strategic Plan - For several years Healthy Communities has been an area for focus in the plan addressing active transportation and sustainability of natural environment and resources (ongoing)
- Improved Building Code - Woolwich council passed a motion calling for increasing the minimum energy performance standards for new buildings (April 2022)
- Woolwich Township Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plan 2020-2024: in accordance with the Electricity Act 1998, as a public agency, Woolwich Township is required to record and make public annual energy consumption and update the CDM every 5 years. The Township annually reports its corporate energy consumption and GHG emissions to Sustainable Waterloo Region and The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Action.
- Township of Woolwich Reports, Studies and Plans
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Declaring a Climate Emergency
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| In 2019 Woolwich Township declared a Climate Emergency stating that Canada has disproportionately contributed to the climate and ecological crisis, and that emergency mobilization on an unprecedented scale will be required. Township of Woolwich Council Meeting. |
Corporate Initiatives
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- Green Team - This staff team meets regularly to review, discuss and implement various corporate green initiatives
- Electric Vehicles - EV's have been added to the Township Fleet with more to come!
- Battery Operated Power Tools - The Township has been replacing gas powered tools with battery operated tools
- Greenhouse Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study: In 2022 the Township completed an audit of its facilities to determine deficiencies and plan for future GHG reductions.
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Waterloo Region Climate Projects
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- Climate Action Waterloo Region Collaborative was formed in 2019 and includes the 8 Waterloo Region municipalities, Sustainable Waterloo Region, Climate Action Waterloo Region and REEP Green solutions
- Transform Waterloo Region - This strategy document was developed by the Collaborative and endorsed by all 8 Waterloo region municipalities in 2021. The strategy includes 6 Transformative Changes along with 78 associated actions to meet GHG reduction targets (50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050) to address climate action in Waterloo region.
- Woolwich Climate Action Implementation Plan - Township staff are drafting a plan using the actions identified in Transform Waterloo Region to reduce Woolwich's GHG emissions
- Climate Action Information Hub - This website acts as an information hub for Climate Action. New resources will be posted as available. These resources will assist residents in whatever climate action endeavours seem right for you and your family. More resources will be added as we move forward.
- Transform Waterloo Region
Do you know of a great resource that is not listed? Send an email to: aroberts@woolwich.ca
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Climate Action Resources
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Household Resources
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- Home Energy
- Home Energy with educational resources to help you make your home more energy efficient (Reference: REEP Green Solutions
- Dutch construction innovation shows it’s possible to quickly retrofit every building
- DIY Living Wall for your Home
- Homeowner Modern Pyramid for Energy Conservation
- Passive House Designs
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Heat Pump Technology
- Heat Pump Technology 101 (REEP Green Solutions)
- Heat Pumps 101: How the Public Can Fight Climate Change (Climate Action Waterloo Region)
- Heat Pump Contractors in Waterloo Region
- Economic Case for Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Third Party Solar Installations
- Clean Air Alliance
- Contractors List for heat pumps, heating and cooling, windows, insulation, and other
- My Energy Action Plan Save on Energy
- Trees as Natural Windbreaks
- Now Trending: Installing Heat Pumps in Your Home – A case study highlighting a local homeowner’s journey & lessons learned when making the switch from gas heating to a heat pump for their home.
- Homeowner’s Guide to Heat Pumps for Comfort and Climate– An introduction to heat pumps, and why you should look into investing in one to upgrade your home.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters for your Home – Recording of webinar featuring local expert Joseph Tanel, that explores what heat pump water heaters are, how they work, and lived experiences.
- Heat Pumps for Home Heating & Cooling – Recording of webinar featuring local expert Jeff Hunter, that provides an introduction to heat humps for residential space heating and cooling.
- EnerGuide Home Evaluations – EnerGuide is a home evaluation service designed to increase energy efficiency and comfort for homeowners. Reep Green Solutions offers a home energy coach who can help you understand the options for saving energy at home.
- Project Neutral – Brought to you by Reep Green Solutions, Project Neutral is a carbon calculating, community-focused, climate action tool which allows you to calculate your personal carbon footprint.
- Heat Pump Cost Savings
- Home Water Use
- Reducing Waste at Home
 Home Food Production
- Protecting your home
- Shop local
- Food Waste Reduction
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Gardening for Climate Change
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Resources for Businesses
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- Reducing Our Business Inputs and Emissions
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Resources for Agriculture
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- Reducing Our Farm Emissions
- Providing clean renewable energy resources
- Incentives and Rebates
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Transportation
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Incentives and Rebates
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