Earth Day 2022: Regina’s ‘Big Moves’ Are Beginning

Regina residents have much to be proud of this Earth Day, following City Council’s recent unanimous approval of the Energy & Sustainability Framework. The Framework provides a pathway to make Regina a renewable, net-zero community by 2050.

Earth Day’s mission is to help people and organizations reduce their environmental impact and the 2022 theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’. Here are ways that the Framework’s seven “Big Moves” make investments that will help our city enjoy a greener future.

1. Retrofitting existing buildings – Retrofits are the most cost-effective way to decarbonize buildings, make them more energy efficient and reduce utility bills. This summer, the City will present a report to Council recommending options for a retrofit rebate program.
2. Fuel switching our heating – Installing heat pumps and electric water heaters increase energy efficiency in homes and buildings, decrease energy costs and reduce emissions. The City will invest in opportunities to switch to electric heat systems in City facilities.
3. Net-zero new construction – All provinces have agreed to adopt the Government of Canada’s net-zero energy-ready building code for new residential builds by 2030. Investing in net-zero new construction now results in lower emissions and fewer buildings needing retrofits in the future.
4. Renewable energy generation – Renewable energy like solar, wind and geothermal can meet much of Regina’s needs while decreasing emissions. The City is installing solar panels on Maple Leaf and Wascana Pools, Glencairn Recreation Centre and will invest in other renewable energy generation into the future.
5. Reducing vehicle emissions – By replacing conventional gas and diesel vehicles with electric, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The City will transition to electric  light-duty vehicles beginning in 2024 while partnering to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations. Telematics technology is being expanded throughout the City’s current light vehicle fleet to analyze data and reduce fuel consumption.
6. Increasing active transportation and transit use – Walking, cycling and taking public transit while reducing driving will significantly cut emissions. The proposed Transit Master Plan outlines initiatives to enhance public transit use and support the transition to electric City buses starting in 2024. Continued investments in multi-use pathways and bike lanes throughout Regina will support active transportation.
7. Cleaning and re-energizing industry – Industrial emissions represent one-third of Regina’s emissions. An expansion of the City’s Landfill Gas to Energy facility in 2021 now increases the amount of harmful methane gas captured from the landfill. The City will also work with industry stakeholders and low-emissions energy providers to determine pilots and paths forward to adopt more efficient processes and transition to alternative fuels.

In each of these “Big Moves”, the City will lead by example to show its commitment to the Renewable Regina 2050 goals. Implementing the Framework’s 31 actions is expected to reduce Regina’s greenhouse gas emissions by 52 per cent and reduce energy use by 24 per cent by 2030.

Visit Regina.ca/renewable to stay informed and learn more about the Energy & Sustainability Framework, including how we’re investing in our planet.