Climate Action Plan

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The City of Burlington has declared a Climate Emergency and on April 20, 2020 a community-based Climate Action Plan was approved at Council.

The plan includes seven key program areas to help the community transition away from the use of fossil fuels, particularly for buildings and transportation including:

  • Low carbon building guidelines (for new buildings)
  • Deep home energy retrofit program (for existing buildings)
  • Renewable energy cooperative
  • Integrated mobility
  • Electric mobility and equipment
  • Waste
  • Industrial processes

Part 1

Part 1 of the Climate Action Plan will focus on actions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions or climate change mitigation. We can all make a difference in the decisions we make, whether it’s how we get around the city, the vehicles we purchase and improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses.

Part 2

Part 2 of the Climate Action Plan will focus on community resiliency, commonly known as climate change adaptation. The Adaptation Plan will be developed throughout 2020/21 with an assessment of climate science data, current and forecasted climate change impacts, and consideration of community risks and vulnerabilities. The plan will recognize resiliency measures already in progress and identify gaps to be addressed.

Read what the City of Burlington is doing to take action on climate change.

The City of Burlington has declared a Climate Emergency and on April 20, 2020 a community-based Climate Action Plan was approved at Council.

The plan includes seven key program areas to help the community transition away from the use of fossil fuels, particularly for buildings and transportation including:

  • Low carbon building guidelines (for new buildings)
  • Deep home energy retrofit program (for existing buildings)
  • Renewable energy cooperative
  • Integrated mobility
  • Electric mobility and equipment
  • Waste
  • Industrial processes

Part 1

Part 1 of the Climate Action Plan will focus on actions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions or climate change mitigation. We can all make a difference in the decisions we make, whether it’s how we get around the city, the vehicles we purchase and improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses.

Part 2

Part 2 of the Climate Action Plan will focus on community resiliency, commonly known as climate change adaptation. The Adaptation Plan will be developed throughout 2020/21 with an assessment of climate science data, current and forecasted climate change impacts, and consideration of community risks and vulnerabilities. The plan will recognize resiliency measures already in progress and identify gaps to be addressed.

Read what the City of Burlington is doing to take action on climate change.

  • Options to Implement a Deep Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program for Homes

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    about 1 month ago

    On July 6th, staff will present a report to the Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee (of council) on options to implement a deep energy efficiency retrofit program for homes in Burlington. Staff are recommending that the city join with a municipal consortium led by the Clean Air Partnership, with support from the Independent Electricity System Operator, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Condition Institute of Canada) and City of Toronto to develop a residential financing program. Other measures being recommended to support homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes:

    • Updating the environment web page with resources
    • Support the Bay Area Climate Change Council and Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College to develop an accelerator program to assist homeowners with home energy efficiency measures
    • Engage local trades and contractors to educate them about deep energy retrofits
    • Engage the Climate Action Plan community stakeholders to support home energy retrofits
    • Co-promote actions such as renewable energy, climate change resiliency (flood proofing), electric vehicles and bikes, and e-equipment (lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers)
    • Consider the creation of a community-based demonstration centre for energy efficiency and resiliency measures

  • Final Plan presented to Council on March 9th.

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    5 months ago

    The City of Burlington declared a Climate Emergency early in 2019 and directed staff to complete a Climate Action Plan. Following a community engagement process and the modelling of energy and community data, a draft Climate Action Plan was presented by staff at the Dec. 2nd Committee of the Whole meeting. The draft plan was made available during December and January for public review and feedback. The final plan is being presented to the Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee on March 9th - read the report and the Action Plan. The plan includes seven key program areas to help the community transition away from the use of fossil fuels, particularly for buildings and transportation including:

    • Low carbon building guidelines (for new buildings)
    • Deep home energy retrofit program (for existing buildings)
    • Renewable energy cooperative
    • Integrated mobility
    • Electric mobility and equipment
    • Waste
    • Industrial processes

    If you would like to speak to Council about this report, you may register to delegate – you have until Friday, Mar. 6th at 12:00 noon to register.


  • Draft Climate Action Plan to go to Committee of Council December 2, 2019

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    9 months ago

    Thanks to everyone that provided input into the development of the Climate Action Plan to help Burlington achieve its goal to become a net carbon neutral community.

    Key program areas in the draft plan include:

    • Low carbon new buildings
    • Deep energy retrofits for existing buildings
    • Renewable energy
    • Integrated mobility
    • Electric mobility and equipment
    • Waste reduction
    • Industry processes

    Read the report

    If you'd like to speak to Council about this report, you may register to delegate - you have until Friday, Nov. 29th at 12:00 noon to register.