RDN Approach to Climate Change

RDN Approach to Climate Change

Landscape

Climate action is integrated into the RDN's work - from strategic policy development to daily operations. Within this framework, critical planning documents such as the RDN's Regional Growth Strategy and Electoral Area Official Community Plans include our objectives and initiatives for climate adaptation and mitigation. These documents help shape land use development practices toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Climate action remains at the forefront through service-specific plans, including the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection Action Plan, Transit Planning and the Solid Waste Management Plan. These plans reinforce our commitment to effectively address climate-related challenges.

This integrated approach helps us find and take action on climate solutions in everything we do at RDN.

What We Are Doing

  • Climate Action: Explore the programs and services that address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 2023-2026 Strategic Plan: The RDN's sustainability vision is firmly grounded in our Strategic Plan. Explore this plan and its key focus areas.
  • Regional Growth Strategy: Learn about the proposed updates to the Regional Growth Strategy, called Shaping Our Future 2040, and the improvements recommended for policy areas including housing, transit, and climate action. 
  • Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee: Read the Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee Final Report to learn about the recommended priority measures to improve community climate adaptation and mitigation efforts within the RDN.
  • Water Protection and Conservation: Refer to the Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) Action Plan for 2020-2030 to gain insights into the RDN’s critical water and watershed management initiatives.
  • Resilient Landscapes: Explore our efforts to safeguard our parks against invasive species and discover the new online reporting form residents can use.
  • Emergency Planning: Learn about emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
  • Regional Hazards & Risks: Discover information about regional risks and access resources related to managing and mitigating these risks.
  • Flood Management: Access information and maps to gain insights into local flood risks, evaluate options for managing floods, and visualize the movement of floodwaters and areas that may be impacted. 
  • Rebates & Incentives: Explore climate-friendly home upgrade and water stewardship rebates.

Corporate Action

The RDN has a multifaceted approach to addressing the impacts of climate change within our community services and facilities. Our strategy includes enacting policies, constructing energy-efficient structures, integrating sustainable infrastructure and adding zero-emission vehicles to our fleets. These measures collectively aim to reduce our carbon footprint while preparing the RDN for the impacts of climate change.

The RDN achieved carbon neutrality in its operations in 2012 by generating carbon credits through collecting and destroying landfill gas. Regulatory changes in 2016 governing provincial landfills limited landfill gas collection to 75%, ending carbon credit generation beyond this new threshold. In addition, the RDN is working to reduce the negative effects of climate change by implementing priorities outlined in the RDN's Corporate Carbon Neutral 2032 Plan (CCNP), which was adopted in April 2021. The CCNP lays out a roadmap for cutting RDN emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. This aligns with our goal to lead in climate action and attain net-zero emissions by 2032.

To learn more about previous climate initiatives and monitor our progress in achieving greenhouse gas emission targets, please visit the Climate Change Plans and Data page.