Instead of decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions, the District of Sooke is currently witnessing an increase in GHG emissions of about 3.3% a year. This is not in line with Sooke’s overall climate goal, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
In the Capital Regional District, it is estimated that approximately 30% of our GHG emissions are generated from buildings. Our buildings’ emissions need to quickly reach the provincial norm for new buildings – zero carbon by 2030.
The implementation of the Zero Carbon Step Code Level 4 in Sooke this year is critical to reducing building emissions. Early adoption of the Step Code Level 4 for new buildings needs to become part of our Sooke building bylaw. Step Code Level 4 marks a transition toward new buildings using clean electrical energy and is one of the most cost-effective steps our local governments can take to heat, cool and power our future lodgings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Most municipalities in our region have already chosen to adopt Step Code Level 4. To date, the District of Sooke has moved cautiously on reaching its climate goals. The adoption of Step Code Level 4 this year will be a litmus test for the members of Sooke council when it comes to climate action. We all need to think green and encourage our local and provincial governments to act. This will be something to watch closely in the months to come!
Sinclair Philip
Sooke
