The City of ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 greenhouse gas emissions rose in 2022 but remained lower than they were in 2017, according to the latest emissions inventory presented to council.

At their Sept. 25 meeting, council heard from staff that the cityB次元官网网址檚 total corporate GHG emissions in 2022 reached 466 tCO2e, up from 431 tCO2e in 2021.

That figure is the highest the city has seen since 2017 when the figure sat at 496 tCO2e.

The increase was partially due to factors outside the cityB次元官网网址檚 direct control, said the report, and included West Shore Parks and RecreationB次元官网网址檚 electric ice resurfacer being under repair and replaced temporarily with a propane-powered backup unit, their use of a boom lift for several construction projects, and the cityB次元官网网址檚 expanded use of contracted services, mainly in sewer maintenance and inspection work, street sweeping, and roadside mowing.

Despite the increase, Mayor Doug Kobayashi said the city remains well on the path to implementing climate action, having officially approved its Climate Action Plan in late summer and employed a dedicated climate planner since March. Emissions are expected to drop noticeably in 2023.

B次元官网网址淲e know we are still in good shape though because we know WSPR and our own equipment are our main sources of GHG B次元官网网址� I think we are going to see a major improvement in 2023 because we have the electric Zamboni back in action, and we have increased our electric vehicle fleet.B次元官网网址�

Kobayashi said the city has added an electric irrigation van and dump truck to the city fleet, bringing the total electric vehicle count to nine, with four more on order. He said the city has also been electrifying its small equipment inventory, including an electric road line painter and electric trimmers for parks maintenance.

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