Nova Scotia communities are cutting greenhouse gas emissions with funding for clean energy projects under the Low Carbon Communities program.
The program is supporting 31 projects in 2023-24.
"Nova Scotia has ambitious climate change goals, and communities across the province are rising to the challenge to help us meet them," said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. "Our investments support innovative local projects that will help move the climate change needle in the right direction."
One grant recipient, Bear River First Nation, will use its funding for a smart micro-grid and electric vehicle feasibility study.
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) will study the potential for energy sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions at Akoma Holdings, a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing, education and economic development in Preston.
The Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia will use funding to work on its Yarmouth net-zero affordable housing building plan.
Funding from the Low Carbon Communities program can be used for clean energy feasibility studies, designs, strategies and planning, education, engagement and initiatives that demonstrate positive and innovative low carbon solutions in Nova Scotian communities.
The program is open to municipalities, Mi'kmaw communities and organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses and non-profit organizations.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a goal in Our Climate, Our Future: Nova Scotia's Climate Change Plan for Clean Growth. The plan will help create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all Nova Scotians by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, switching to clean energy, creating a clean economy, making homes and buildings energy efficient and able to stand up to the impacts of climate change, and helping Nova Scotians adapt to the changing climate.
Quotes:
"The Town of Truro is thankful for the funding we received through the Low Carbon Communities program. With this funding, the town is able to create a community energy and emissions plan that will help guide us with initiatives that reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change."
Bill Mills, Mayor, Town of Truro
"The Municipality of Cumberland is grateful for the opportunity this Low Carbon Communities funding will provide. Having a community energy and emissions plan will not only help Cumberland reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, we expect it will also contribute to the energy security of our residents and communities, while positioning our local organizations and businesses to fully take advantage of the opportunities that are appearing as Nova Scotia transitions to the greener economy of the future."
Greg Herrett, Chief Administrative Officer, Municipality of the County of Cumberland
"NSCC is very excited to work together on a strategic energy sustainability plan with Akoma Holdings. Akoma Holdings is lifting up its community by building affordable housing, providing supportive services in the community and creating opportunities in entrepreneurship. Doing all that while acting on energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transportation will help ensure the long-term prosperity of this vibrant community."
Wayne Grosko, applied energy research scientist, NSCC
"As Akoma prepares to develop more housing and commercial units on the property, we are looking forward to having a strategic energy plan that will guide us on the best use of the land."
Veronica Marsman, property manager, Akoma Holdings
Quick Facts:
- since 2018, Low Carbon Communities has invested more than $4.9 million to support 86 community-led projects across the province
- more than $1.8 million will be invested in the 31 projects in 2023-24
- the program supports community-driven projects that help create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions through low-carbon, clean energy projects for buildings, electricity and transportation
Additional Resources:
The full list of grant recipients is available at: https://novascotia.ca/low-carbon-communities/
Nova Scotia's climate change plan: https://climatechange.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/ns-climate-change-plan.pdf
