| | | | Let’s spring forward to more low-carbon transportation, climate-friendly homes, and opportunities to collaborate. You’ll find all that and more in this month’s CEA newsletter.
Please help to make others aware of these opportunities. Forward this newsletter to a friend and invite them to subscribe.
Announcements & Stories - Sell carbon credits with CEA’s help
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A new BC hub for climate adaptation On the look-out for climate-friendly homes
Local solutions with electricity and natural gas Zero Carbon Step Code: Measurement now Mandatory
Events & Meetings - A New Network on Digital Permitting
- Local Government Peer Network meetings
- NorthCAN Forum 2025
| | | | | | | | Sell carbon credits with CEA’s help
CEA is making it easier for local governments and organizations to sell the carbon credits associated with operating EV charging stations.
Communities can already participate in BC’s Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit market based on how much electricity is provided through their charging stations, reflecting the reduced use of gasoline or diesel for transportation.
But CEA’s new Carbon Credits Aggregation Service pools the credits of the various participating local governments and organizations, making it easy for them to participate and hopefully attracting a higher price for their credits.
Participants receive a proportionate share of the revenue earned when the credits are sold and only then will CEA collect a small admin fee. While the actual sale price depends on supply and demand, it’s expected that the value of credits sold at least covers the cost of providing electricity through a charging station.
The idea for this aggregation service was originally advanced by the Local Government Electric Mobility Peer Network (EMPN) and developed by CEA with a working group of EMPN members. The work was funded and supported by Metro Vancouver Regional District, the Capital Regional District, and the City of Abbotsford.
| | | | | | A new Hub for Climate Adaptation
CEAers Megan Lohmann and Maya Chorobik attended FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference in Fredericton last month, where the Green Municipal Fund announced funding for dozens of projects across Canada. All are part of the Local Leadership in Climate Adaptation program, projects that reduce climate risks, protect critical infrastructure, and create more livable communities.
Among these projects is the new BC Community Climate Adaptation Hub hosted by CEA. The Hub will leverage CEA’s existing networks and provide several entry points to training, regional collaboration, and knowledge sharing among staff in local governments and Indigenous communities.
Activities will include a reboot of the province-wide Resilience Peer Network, regional dialogues between local government and Indigenous leaders, and regional adaptation planning and action cohorts. Stay tuned for more information and an intake for regional adaptation planning and action cohorts.
| | | | | | On the Look-out for Climate-Friendly Homes
Do you have a home that’s a great example of energy-efficiency, modern appliances, top-notch insulation, and even on-site energy generation? Maybe you know someone with a home like that.
Consider showcasing it next month in the Climate-Friendly Homes Tour, so that others in your community can be inspired and consider similar upgrades.
Demonstrating what’s possible and practical is the purpose behind the tour, which CEA initiated in 2023 together with multiple communities and funding support from BC Hydro.
This year’s tour will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2025 and showcase homes in a variety of regions:
It’s not too late to add your home! Just register your home on the Climate-Friendly Homes Tour website.
| | | | | | Local Solutions with Electricity and Natural Gas
They’re called “dual fuel” or “hybrid” heating systems: an electric heat pump paired with a natural gas furnace. In many colder regions, they’re seen as an alternative to full electrification, especially for older homes with existing ducting and a less-than-perfect 😉building envelope.
The process of adding a heat pump and a high-efficiency furnace to a 1970s-era home in Fernie (climate zone 6) is documented in a recent case study from CEA, along with three “lessons learned” ranging from contractor selection through to the value of the retrofit for both cost savings and comfort.
| | | | | | | | Zero Carbon Step Code: Measurement now Mandatory
As of earlier this week, new buildings in BC regulated by the Energy Step Code must now meet at least the first level (EL-1) of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This is a “measure-only” requirement, meaning applicable buildings will either go through the energy modelling process or declare the type of equipment used for domestic heating and hot water.
Most builders already comply because this information is collected in the existing Step Code Compliance Checklist. But to support communities with this transition, CEA is providing a variety of resources and engagement opportunities.
Download a one-page summary of the BC Building Code updates as of March 10, 2025.
Attend an online workshop to support communities interested in moving beyond EL-1, providing local government staff within a region to connect and learn together, and identify opportunities for regional alignment and coordination.
Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities – March 14 at 10 a.m. PT Thompson – Okanagan – March 18 at 10 a.m. PT Lower Mainland/South Coast – March 19 at 11 a.m. PT
There were also earlier workshops for Northern BC and Kootenays. Please email Lisa Mak if you are interested in a summary or follow-up discussion.
| | | | | | | | A New Network on Digital Permitting
March 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. to Noon PT Register on Zoom
Following development of a new provincial Building Permit Hub meant to standardize and streamline processes provincewide, CEA is launching a new peer network that will help local government planners and building officials transition to digital tools for permitting. | | | | Local Government Peer Network meetings
CEA convenes a variety of local government peer networks, mostly for staff in local, regional, and Indigenous governments. Check out the full roster and inquire about joining ones that interest you.
Retrofit Peer Network
March 13, 2025
Alberta Climate Leaders: Staff Peer Network
March 14, 2025
Vancouver Island & Coastal Communities Climate Action Network (VICC-CAN) March 20, 2025
BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council April 10, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT
Dialogue with Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
| | | | NorthCAN Forum 2025
April 29-30, 2025 Prince George, BC
Multiple northern organizations are joining the Province of BC and CEA in delivering the in-person NorthCAN Forum on April 29-30. This event builds on the development over the last three years of the Northern BC Climate Action Network, which is a unique hub for information-sharing and relationship-building among those who initiate, influence, and implement initiatives that reduce carbon emissions while enhancing the northern economy and community resiliency. | | | | Our Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
The Community Energy Association commits to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. As an organization, we support the Calls to Action released by the
Truth and Reconciliation Commision of Canada
and recognize the importance of the self determination of Indigenous Peoples as articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. | | Thank you for subscribing to the CEA Newsletter, our monthly update on local climate and energy initiatives connected to the Community Energy Association. No longer interested? You can easily unsubscribe or update your preferences | | | | | |
