The City of Surrey is hosting an ENERGYShift panel and open house tomorrow to engage the public on how the city can reduce energy consumption and advance sustainability in its operations and in the community.
The forum will discuss issues such as transportation, housing and waste, and will help the city develop a new community energy and emissions plan (CEEP).
Mayor Dianne Watts said, “We want to create a dialogue around how we can reduce consumption and waste, save money, and develop innovative energy solutions. We want the public’s input so we can create a plan that meets the energy needs of our community.”
The panel will be moderated by CBC Radio’s Mark Forsythe and will feature Gordon Price (Simon Fraser University City Program), Nancy Olewiler (TransLink board), Nimal Rajapaske (SFU representative on the Mayor’s Clean Energy Advisory Network) and Penny Priddy (social issues advocate).
In 2011, Surrey launched its ENERGYShift program, which consists of three action areas: corporate emissions, community emissions and promoting clean tech businesses.
The city has committed to reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by 33% per capita below 2007 levels by 2020.
According to a release from the city, in 2007 Surrey businesses and residents spent more than $1 billion, or $2,300 per capita, on energy.
Over half of that money, and 62% of emissions, came from transportation. The balance came from buildings and waste.
This amount is projected to double to over $2 billion by 2020 because of rising fuel prices.
The CEEP will complement the new Corporate Emissions Action Plan, which was implemented in 2010 and identifies how the city can reduce its carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.
The open house is on Thursday, February 2, at 5.30 -7 p.m., with the expert panel and Q&A following until 9 p.m. It takes place at Enver Creek Secondary School, 14505 84th Avenue, Surrey. Register to attend at http://www.surrey.ca/energyshift/10353.aspx.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV