The Pembina Institute's Sustainable Communities Group is working in Canadian communities and internationally to help municipalities, Aboriginal communities, policy makers and partners in developing countries identify their sustainability goals and take practical steps to achieve these objectives.
What We're Doing
Energy and GHG Planning
The Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments are taking more interest in community energy planning — planning holistically, instead of just at the building or power plant scale. This includes consideration of local energy production, efficient community design and district energy systems. [More]
Renewable Energy Assessments
Renewable energy sources such as wind, small hydro and solar are accessible options that can provide communities with clean, reliable and affordable energy. Renewable energy assessments, undertaken as part of our Community Energy Planning (CEP) process, empower communities to identify viable renewable energy options and make informed decisions about delivering energy services in their community. [More]
Energy Policy and Program Design
The Pembina Institute is identifying best practices and effective policies that can help maximize energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy from the municipal to the federal level. As a member of the Canadian Renewable Energy Alliance (CanREA), the Pembina Institute is advocating for the adoption of a National Renewable Energy Strategy for Canada. Implementing such a strategy will contribute to job creation, the development of a sustainable economy and reduced environmental impacts — including the emission of greenhouse gas pollutants. [More]
A Glimpse into Sustainable Communities
The City of Dawson Creek has implemented a Green Municipal Vehicle Purchasing Policy that uses a customized decision- making tool designed in part by the Pembina Institute. It allows the municipality to consider efficiency, emissions, operating cost and initial capital cost when adding new vehicles to their fleet. [More]
The Gitga'at First Nation is replacing the diesel generators in Hartley Bay, B.C., with a small hydro project that will provide clean, lower cost energy to its community. Some remote communities that rely on diesel generators pay four times more for electricity than do grid- connected communities. [More]
Over 1.6 billion people around the world lack access to electricity and modern energy services. Innovative financing such as the Clean Development Mechanism can help communities in developing countries overcome this energy gap, creating new economic opportunities and access to services that improve quality of life. [More]
Local improvement charges (LICs) can provide financing to improve the energy efficiency of communities. Adopting policies and programs that support sustainable initiatives are a smart way to help communities achieve their sustainability objectives. [More]
