Climate Action Initiatives

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North Saanich Climate Action Initiatives

North Saanich has a long commitment to taking action on climate including: 

  • Signing the Climate Action Charter committing to:  
    • Becoming carbon neutral in corporate operations by 2012  
    • Measuring and reporting community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions  
    • Creating complete, compact, more energy efficient communities (e.g., where walking, cycling and transit are the preferred modes, and energy use in buildings is reduced)  
       
  • Committing to reducing its community-wide GHGs from 2007 levels:  
    • 8.5% by 2015 
    • 25% by 2020 
    • 45% by 2040.    

According to the CRD's Regional GHG Inventory work, the District's community emissions totalled 65,819 tonnes in 2007, with transportation for 54% of the overall emissions. In 2024, the total GHG emissions were 63,971 tonnes, only 3% below 2007 levels.    

North Saanich continues to show its commitment to climate action through its Official Community Plan, which incorporates the Donut Economics sustainability framework, and its Strategic Plan which commits to developing a Climate Action Plan.  

Climate action involves both reducing GHG emissions (mitigation) and strengthening North Saanich's resilience to the growing impacts of climate change through adaptation strategies.  

Two overlapping green circles. The left category is titled Adaptation: actions to manage the impacts of climate change. Listed beneath is flood protection, infrastructure and building design, and disaster management and business continuity. The right category is titled Mitigation: actions to reduce emissions that cause climate change. Listed beneath is sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. The middle category (in the overlap of the two circles) is listed urban forest, complete

Above: Overlap and Differences between Adaptation and Mitigation (Image credit: ICLEI Canada, 2019) 

Corporate (Municipality's own) GHG Emission Reduction Initiatives

Corporate Transportation

To mitigate its environmental impact, the District has replaced three aging fleet vehicles with electric vehicles. Level 1 electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Municipal Hall for staff use, as well as two Level 2 chargers to support the three EVs in the municipal fleet. 

Corporate Buildings

The Municipal Hall has energy saving and sustainability features including:  

  • VRF (Variable refrigerant flow) HVAC systems and ductless HVAC/system with separate space control;  
  • LED lighting; Motion sensor lighting;  
  • Low VOC finishes, and low VOC paints and carpeting 
  • Low Flow plumbing fixtures;  
  • Solar PV (40 panels installed in 2017 producing approximately 15,000 kWh a year -equivalent to 1.5 homes - and now being net metered); 
  • Electric car charging stations (see above for more info).   

The District has been purchasing renewable natural gas for its operations since February 2025. 

Graphic illustrating the waste hierarchy in a funnel shape, with text on waste reduction strategies.

Shared Corporate Energy Manager

The District has been selected to participate in a two-year Shared Corporate Energy Manager Services Pilot Program. This program will help the District understand its facilities' energy and GHG emissions and prioritize actions that result in energy, GHG, and cost savings, with climate resilience and health co-benefits. It also provides the District with tailored support for implementing projects and accessing incentives, rebates, and training.  

Community-Wide GHG Emission Reduction Initiatives

Transportation

  • The District has an Active Transportation Plan and is implementing traffic calming measures, speed limit reductions, and connectivity improvements throughout the district.  
  • The OCP prioritizes growth in areas within close proximity to public transit to help reduce reliance on personal vehicles.  
  • The District has a level 2 charger at the Municipal Hall, for use by the public, free of charge. 

Buildings

  • BC Energy Step Code in North Saanich - In the fall of 2018 Council adopted an amendment to the District's building bylaw which introduced the implementation of the Provincial Energy Step Code Regulations. More information can be found on our BC Energy Step Code webpage. 
  • Greater Victoria 2030 District - GV2030 District is a public-private-non-profit collaboration with the goal of reducing the environmental impacts of building construction and operations in commercial buildings. North Saanich became a sponsor of the program in May 2025, meaning commercial building owners/businesses in the District can pledge their buildings and access membership benefits such as performance tracking, Energy Star Portfolio Manager, Building Benchmark BC, a peer network, access to specialists, purchasing pools to reduce retrofit costs, and access to tools, training, and programs.  
  • Home Energy Workshops - North Saanich partnered with The District of Central Saanich to host two Home Energy Workshops designed to educate residents about retrofit strategies and the role of energy audits in making informed, cost-effective, and climate-conscious decisions. Stay tuned for future workshops by subscribing to our newsletter.  

Waste

Check out the Capital Regional District Reducing Waste page for pollution prevention tips and for information about their Rethinking Waste Grants.  

Composting and recycling are a great way to divert the waste we create. The Compost Education Centre offer workshops and other resources to help you get started or answer any questions you may have about compost. Are you wondering if you can recycle a specific item? Use the CRD What Goes Where tool to find out.  

Natural Asset Inventory

The District is currently working with the Natural Assets Initiative group to understand the natural assets we have, their condition, risks, and the extent that we rely on them. This work will enable us to identify their monetary value, model, and monitor them in order to protect and restore their ecological function. This is a precursor to future work to create a District Natural Asset plan and other work to support ecosystem restoration. 

Monitoring and Reporting

Purple Air Monitors

The District has installed air quality monitoring systems located at three key sites in North Saanich: the Municipal Hall, McTavish Fire Hall, and Wain Road Fire Hall. These systems are designed to measure and track airborne particulate matter (PM), with a focus on PM2.5 due to its associated health risks. Read more about Air Quality Sensors at the District.  

Local Government Climate Action Program

The Local Government Climate Action Program (LGCAP) provides predictable, long-term funding for communities to achieve shared climate goals for a sustainable B.C. The program supports B.C. communities through capacity building and investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts by providing annual funding to signatories of the Climate Action Charter and Modern Treaty Nations.

Provincial Climate Action Reporting Incentive Program Reports (this program has now been replaced with the LGCAP)

Climate Rebates & Programs

Transportation

Buildings - Homes