GBA Update - Summer 2020

8 ≥ www.georgianbay.ca GBA UPDATE Summer 2020 or doesn’t yet exist. Working with utility providers, partner organizations, and industry is therefore critical in collecting accurate and reliable data. In cases where data we require doesn’t yet exist, we build energy consumption models using evidence-based assumptions.” Initial calculations reveal interesting results and an important perspective: it is common for corporate GHG emissions to represent a very small percentage of a region’s GHG emissions. In fact, corporate GHG emissions in rural areas typically account for less than 2% of a jurisdiction’s total GHG emissions. This pattern was demonstrated in the analysis conducted by Sustainable Severn Sound for the Climate Action Plan made among seven small municipalities in Southern Georgian Bay. “When we learned that corporate GHG emissions typically account for less than 2% of GHG emissions in the Biosphere region, we knew we would soon have to find ways to engage all communities in a better conversation about energy management: current sources, our levels of consumption, and viable alternatives,” said Pollock. “It is clear that our community needs to be empowered with information, expertise from other communities and the most cost- effective solutions available. Individual choices, consumer behaviour, and collective efforts have enormous potential to reduce GHGs and mitigate climate change in any part of the world. UNESCO has asked biosphere reserves worldwide to be leaders in climate education and action.” Some communities have already begun to consider strategies that can reduce their energy use and GHG emissions. Dalton Geroux, Energy Champion at Shawanaga First Nation, says: “The community energy program [ICEP] will involve retrofitting and upgrading First Nation homes with energy-efficient lighting, aerators for faucets, insulation upgrading, and Energy Star appliances. With this program, we plan on cutting costs for residents and impacts of emissions on the environment.” Accounting for Seasonal Energy Use For an analysis that is most relevant to the Georgian Bay Biosphere region, GHG emissions produced by seasonal Continued from page 7 Figures 3 and 4. Estimated percentage of GHG emissions for corporate (left) and community (right) in the Georgian Bay Biosphere region based on initial calculations.