Peterborough is taking a major step toward addressing the climate crisis, with city council officially adopting the Climate Change Action Plan 2.0 – Pathway to Net Zero 2050 as the community’s new emissions reduction strategy.
The updated plan replaces the City’s original 2016 climate action plan and aligns with the municipality’s Climate Emergency Declaration passed in 2019. It sets out a roadmap to achieve net zero community greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050.
The revised strategy is anchored by seven “Big Moves” developed through extensive research, modelling, and stakeholder consultation. These key focus areas target land use, green buildings, local energy supply, sustainable transportation, industrial efficiency, waste diversion, and urban forestry.
The City of Peterborough will take the lead in enabling these moves by investing in necessary infrastructure, developing supporting policies and plans, and organizing working groups for each area of focus.
The Big Moves include:
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Land Use: Promoting compact urban design to reduce sprawl and support sustainability.
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Green Buildings: Phasing out fossil fuel-based heating systems in favour of low-energy alternatives.
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Energy Supply: Expanding local renewable energy generation.
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Sustainable Transportation: Boosting public transit and active transportation, with expanded use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
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Industry: Improving energy efficiency across the industrial sector.
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Waste: Enhancing diversion programs and embracing circular economy practices.
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Forestry and Carbon Capture: Strengthening urban forest networks and exploring feasible carbon capture initiatives.
Financial analysis determined the “Net Zero 50” pathway offers the best return on investment. With a marginal abatement cost of –$209 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), each tonne of emissions reduced could yield $209 in savings. Over the long term, the NZ50 approach is expected to result in net investment savings of $949 million by 2050.
The newly adopted plan is designed to position Peterborough as a climate leader, preparing the city to meet its environmental goals while realizing significant economic and social benefits.
