Just as the temperatures dip heading into winter, Edmonton city council talking about maximum temperature standards in buildings, with climate change efficient buildings on the agenda.
City councillors heard a report Tuesday that Edmonton’s climate is warming faster than the average rate. And with city hall approving massive zoning bylaw overhauls this year to clear the way for urban densification and more mixed-use housing earlier this year, councillors are now deciding how to build those projects with climate change in mind.
The city not meeting its emissions goals.
“Edmonton of course has a carbon budget, which we are not on track to meet. We have targets for 2030 and 2050, and we are not on track to meet them,” said Ashley Salvador, the councillor for Ward metis.
Everything from land development in new city neighbourhoods, to building homes and commercial buildings that are solar-ready, and trees in Edmonton’s neighbourhoods to provide shade and sun cover.
Those who fight against climate change speaking to council Tuesday, say they need the City to step up in areas where they can, like a proposed bylaw that would set a maximum temperature for Edmonton’s rental buildings during the hot smoky summers.
Adding the province won’t. Alberta’s government previously placed a moratorium on wind and solar energy projects earlier this year.
“Whether this is city jurisdiction, we’re brining this to council because we know they have the power to find creative solutions within their jurisdiction, but also advocate for us to the province,” said Kate McMorran, with Climate Justice Edmonton.