The goal may be an ambitious one: the City of Toronto’s target is to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040.
The adoption of this target follows Toronto City Council’s vote in 2019 to declare a climate emergency. In late 2021, Council adopted an accelerated climate action strategy, known as the TransformTO Net Zero strategy, with an overall target of net zero by 2040 and an interim target of 65 per cent emissions reduction by 2030.
City officials say there are ways for everyone to help meet the goal. “We have a pretty ambitious strategy, and it will take actions from everyone to meet our goal — the private sector, government and individuals taking action,” says James Nowlan, executive director, environment and climate for the City of Toronto.
Torontonians are interested in doing their part. A 2021 survey done by the City reported that the majority of respondents — 91 per cent — are concerned about climate change and agree people need to take action to reduce emissions.
Still, a little over 40 per cent reported they weren’t exactly sure what they could do. “We know there’s still work to be done in helping Torontonians with this,” Nowlan says. The City is launching some major campaigns this fall to raise awareness.
In partnership with the City of Toronto, we look at three areas where Toronto residents can make changes to help.
Where you live
The City reports that 57 per cent of emissions come from homes and buildings — notably from burning fossil fuels for heating and hot water. “So if you’re looking to replace your HVAC system or an old gas furnace, for example, consider alternatives such as electric heat pumps,” Nowlan says. Not only are heat pumps are more efficient, they can provide both heating and cooling in homes.
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Other home improvements that help reduce emissions include upgrading windows and doors; increasing insulation in walls, attics and basements; or taking on more ambitious projects, such as installing rooftop solar panels or even a green roof.
And while the thought of making some of these changes can be financially daunting, the City offers a number of incentives for homeowners who install a smart thermostat or new space and water heaters, as well as grants for green and cool roofs, plus home energy loans that cover the cost of many upgrades.
READ MORE: TransformTO: An inside look at a net-zero home in Toronto
How you get around
Transportation accounts for 36 per cent of total emissions in Toronto, and 73 per cent of those emissions come from personal vehicles.
“With gas prices being what they are, people may be interested in looking at an electric vehicle,” says Cecilia Fernandez, manager, environment and climate for the City of Toronto.
The goal is for 30 per cent of registered vehicles in Toronto to be electric by 2030. To support that goal, she adds, Toronto is considering how to provide public charging infrastructure, especially in areas where it’s needed most.
This year, the City expects to install 32 on-street charging stations, in addition to the current 15. It will also work with Toronto Hydro and Toronto Parking Authority to add 117 new charging stations in Green P parking facilities.
By the end of 2024, the public EV charging network is expected to include more than 650 charging stations.
Active and public transportation are key options the City is asking residents to consider using more frequently. In fact, part of the 2030 emissions reduction plan involves City initiatives to encourage more walking, cycling and riding public transit, especially for trips under five kilometres.
What you get rid of
General waste accounts for seven per cent of emissions, but according to Fernandez, there are ways Toronto residents can help cut back.
“So, thinking about what they’re buying, how long it’s going to last, if there’s food waste involved, trying to reduce their food waste and what they’re buying,” she says.
She also encourages residents to learn what can be recycled — and how to do it properly — and to consider reuse or donation sites as well as buying more permanent rather than disposable items.
Reaching the emissions reduction goal doesn’t land on the shoulders of Toronto residents alone. The City, Nowlan says, has a number of its own initiatives, including partnerships with the private sector for large buildings to help them move toward net zero and a plan to reduce emissions from City-owned buildings.
It’s also seeing action from City agencies and corporations, such as Toronto Hydro, which will be launching advisory services to help homeowners and businesses reduce their emissions as part of their climate action plan.
“People can seek assistance from the City if they don’t know what to do. We’re here as a resource,” Fernandez says. “We know that pretty much everything that we need to do has to be done as a collective community.”
READ MORE: Toronto offering zero-interest loans up to $125K for green home retrofits
To learn more abut the City of Toronto’s TransformTO climate strategy and how everyone can contribute, visit livegreentoronto.ca.