Mayor s Community Energy Plan Discussion Paper

Transcription

1 Mayor s Community Energy Plan Discussion Paper APRIL 2013

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3 Mayor s Community Energy Plan: Discussion Paper A report for the Town of Halton Hills

4 This document was prepared for the Town of Halton Hills by IndEco Strategic Consulting Inc. and Sustainability Solutions Group Additional information on the Mayor s Community Energy Plan as well as the Town s many other sustainability initiatives is available via: Sustainability Website: Project Webpage: Twitter: Facebook: Phone: ext sustainability@haltonhills.ca IndEco report B May 2013

5 Contents 1 Introduction Context for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan Ontario Green Energy Act (2009) and Ontario Regulation 397/ Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund Ontario Planning Act and Land Use Planning Legislation Ontario Municipal Act Halton Region Initiatives Other Initiatives Town of Halton Hills Strategies and Plans Town of Halton Hills Strategic Plan Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy Town of Halton Hills Official Plan Halton Hills Green Plan Green Building Standard Study Economic Development Strategy Transportation Master Plan and Cycling Master Plan Smart Commute Plan Southwest Georgetown Secondary Planning Project Halton Hills Generating Station Conclusion Appendix A. Utility Incentive Programs MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER iii

6 Executive Summary This discussion paper describes the national, provincial, and local context for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan (Energy Plan). It also discusses the Energy Plan s alignment with the Town of Halton Hills strategic priorities, and identifies the existing Town plans, policies, and projects that will be considered as part of the planning process. This discussion paper summarizes the opportunities created by the following national, provincial, and regional regulations and plans: Ontario Green Energy Act (2009) and Ontario Regulation 397/11; Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection program; Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund; Ontario Planning Act and Land Use Planning Legislation; Ontario Municipal Act; Halton Region initiatives; and Other initiatives It also describes the following Halton Hills plans and strategies that connect to the Mayor s Community Energy Plan: Town of Halton Hills Strategic Plan; Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy; Town of Halton Hills Official Plan; Halton Hills Green Plan; Green Building Standard Study; Economic Development Strategy; Transportation Master Plan and Cycling Plan; Smart Commute Plan; and Southwest Georgetown Secondary Planning Project. Finally, it identifies the energy efficiency incentives and services that are currently available through the Town s electricity and natural gas utilities. iv INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

7 1 Introduction Energy underpins many of our daily activities, and contributes to our quality of life. Due to growing concern over energy supply, energy costs, and the environmental impacts of our energy systems, governments, businesses and households are focusing on increasing their energy efficiency and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Energy use in communities is complex. It is influenced by a wide range of factors, including geography, demographics, land use, transportation systems, and the local availability of energy resources. Municipalities face numerous challenges as they strive to ensure sustainable energy use, attract economic investment, maintain ecosystem integrity, and provide a high quality of life for residents. Recognizing the above, the Town of Halton Hills is developing the Mayor s Community Energy Plan, in close partnership with Halton Hills Community Energy Corporation. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will include practical actions that will increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and translate into measureable financial and environmental benefits. The objectives of the Mayor s Community Energy Plan include the following: To fulfill the reporting and planning requirements of Regulation 397/11 under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act; To complete Milestones 1, 2, and 3 of the Partners for Climate Protection Program; To take advantage of all available incentives for energy efficiency; To improve the Town s environmental and financial sustainability, through initiatives that are Practical, Affordable, Reasonable, Educational and Enforceable; To identify and implement actions that reduce GHG emissions from corporate operations and from community activities; To increase community awareness and demonstrate the Town s leadership in energy and GHG emissions reduction; and To build on the Town s long-standing commitment to energy conservation, Halton Hills Hydro s energy efficiency programs, and Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy. This discussion paper describes the federal, provincial, and local (municipal and regional) context for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan (Energy Plan). It also discusses the Energy Plan s alignment with the Town of Halton Hills strategic priorities, and identifies the existing Town plans, policies, and projects that will be considered as part of the planning process. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 1

8 2 Context for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan This section discusses the federal, provincial, and local (municipal and regional) context for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan. It describes the opportunities created by the Ontario Green Energy Act (2009), by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities programs, and by other provincial and local initiatives. 2.1 Ontario Green Energy Act (2009) and Ontario Regulation 397/11 Ontario s Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009) was created to expand renewable energy generation, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean energy jobs. The Green Energy Act (GEA) established the Feed-in Tariff program that provides stable prices for energy generated from wind, solar, and other renewable sources. It also establishes the framework for electricity conservation and demand management (CDM) in Ontario. Regulation 397/11 under the GEA requires that all municipalities develop corporate energy conservation and demand management plans. These are discussed further in the sections below Halton Hills Hydro and Energy Conservation and Demand Management The GEA and accompanying Directives and Codes establish the framework for electricity efficiency programs in Ontario. Ontario electric utilities including Halton Hills Hydro are required to achieve energy and peak demand savings targets established under the GEA. Halton Hills Hydro is working to reach its 2014 peak demand reduction target of 6 MW and its energy savings target of 23,000,000 kwh. To achieve these targets, Halton Hills Hydro is aggressively marketing the province-wide saveonenergy CDM programs. A description of most of these incentive programs is included as Appendix A. Millions of dollars have been allocated to the CDM programs delivered by electric utilities, and to the demand side management (DSM) programs delivered by gas utilities. 1 Ontario customers including the Town of Halton Hills can thus receive significant financial incentives for energy efficiency measures in new and existing facilities Ontario Regulation 397/11 The Government of Ontario has also expressed a commitment to greening public sector buildings, and developed Ontario Regulation 397/11 under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009) to 1 For the gas utilities, energy conservation and demand management (CDM) is referred to as demand-side management (DSM). 2 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

9 advance this goal. As part of Regulation 397/11, all public agencies are required to: Report their energy use and GHG emissions on an annual basis, starting in 2013; Prepare and publish five-year energy conservation and demand management (CDM) plans, in 2014 and every five years thereafter; and Implement CDM plans and report on the results of implementation every five years, starting in All plans and reports will be publicly available and will be subject to public scrutiny. The work completed as part of the Mayor s Community Energy Plan project will fulfill the reporting and planning requirements of Regulation 397/11. It will also identify opportunities for the Town to take advantage of incentives offered by Halton Hills Hydro, Union Gas, and the Ontario Power Authority for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 2.2 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program Across Canada, 239 Canadian municipalities have signed on to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program to reduce GHG emissions from community activities and corporate operations. The PCP s five-milestone framework enables municipalities to engage the community in identifying emissions reduction measures and implementation strategies that improve their triple bottom line sustainability. The Milestones are as follows: Milestone 1: Creating a greenhouse gas inventory and forecast; Milestone 2: Setting an emissions reductions target; Milestone 3: Developing a local action plan; Milestone 4: Implementing the local action plan; and Milestone 5: Monitoring progress and reporting results. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will fulfill the requirements of PCP Milestones 1, 2, and 3. It will prepare the Town for completion of Milestones 4 and Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) offers grants and below-market loans 2 for capital projects that improve environmental performance in energy, transportation, waste, and/or water. Funding is 2 Loans are offered at 1.5% below the Government of Canada bond rate for the respective terms. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 3

10 provided for up to 80% of eligible costs. The loan maximum is $10 million, and the grant amount is set at up to 20% of the loan to a maximum of $1 million. Eligible projects include: Major retrofit projects that demonstrate the potential to reduce energy use by at least 30% compared to current performance; New construction projects that demonstrate an anticipated reduction in design energy use of at least 45% compared to the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011; Energy recovery or district energy projects that demonstrate the potential to capture and use residual energy or create new capacity to transmit and use thermal energy; Net zero projects that demonstrate the potential to result in a system that does not generate any GHG emissions; Projects that shift the mode of transportation and demonstrate the potential to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled in single occupancy vehicles for a target population; and Fleet fossil fuel reduction and GHG emissions reduction projects that demonstrate the potential to increase fuel efficiency or reduce life-cycle GHG emissions by at least 20% for a municipal fleet or a portion of a municipal fleet. FCM also offers grants, which cover up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $175,000, for feasibility studies and field tests that address energy, transportation, waste and/or water. A feasibility study is defined as an assessment of the technical and financial feasibility, as well as the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a potential municipal environmental project. A field test is defined as an evaluation of the small-scale installation of a potential municipal environmental project under the conditions in which it will operate. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will identify corporate and community projects that are eligible for funding under the FCM s Green Municipal Fund. 2.4 Ontario Planning Act and Land Use Planning Legislation Ontario s Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them. The Act aims to promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment. It recognizes the decision-making authority of municipal councils in planning, while requiring that all decisions shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Municipalities official plans must align with the Provincial Policy Statement (2005). They also must comply with the Greenbelt Act and Plan (2005) that provide protection to prime agricultural lands and other ecological features in Ontario. Finally, they must comply with the Places to Grow Act (2005) and Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area (2006) that guide decisions on transportation, 4 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

11 infrastructure planning, land-use planning, urban form, and housing. The section below expands on the aspects of the Provincial Policy Statement and Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe that are most relevant to the Mayor s Community Energy Plan Provincial Policy Statement The (2005) Provincial Policy Statement includes a specific focus on energy efficient planning, as part of the overall goal of Managing and Directing Land Use to Achieve Efficient Development and Land Use Patterns. Land use and development patterns are to: Promote compact form and a structure of nodes and corridors; Promote the use of public transit and other alternative transportation modes in and between residential, employment, and other areas; Focus major employment, commercial and other travelintensive land uses on sites which are well served by public transit, or designing these to facilitate transit in the future; Improve the mix of employment and housing uses to shorten trips and decrease transportation congestion; and Promote design and orientation which maximize the use of alternative or renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy, and the mitigating effects of vegetation. The Provincial Policy Statement also promotes the development of renewable and alternative energy systems, including in settlement areas that are the focus of growth Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area Halton Hills is part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area (GGH) that is one of the fastest growing regions in North America. The Growth Plan for the GGH requires communities to grow at transit-supportive densities, with 40% of all new residential growth within already builtup areas. As the GGH grows, so will the overall demand for water, energy, air, and land. The ongoing availability of these natural resources is essential for the sustainability of all communities. The Growth Plan recognizes and supports the role of municipal policy in providing leadership and innovation to develop a culture of conservation. Under the Growth Plan, energy, water, and air policies are listed that will create a Culture of Conservation. Municipalities are to develop and implement official plan policies and other strategies that support these conservation objectives: Water demand management, for the efficient use of water; Water recycling to maximize the reuse and recycling of water; Energy conservation for municipally owned facilities; MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 5

12 Identification of opportunities for alternative energy generation and distribution; Energy demand management to reduce energy consumption; Land-use patterns and urban design standards that encourage and support energy-efficient buildings and opportunities for cogeneration; and Reduction in emissions from municipal and residential sources. Additional requirements are outlined in the Growth Plan for developments and transportation planning. For example, new greenfield developments can only occur in designated greenfield areas, and must achieve minimum densities of 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare. Intensification areas and greenfield developments must both provide a diverse mix of land uses and support opportunities for transit, walking and cycling. Transportation planning is required to balance transportation choices, offer multi-modal access to jobs, housing, schools and services, provide connectivity among modes, and encourage the most financially and environmentally appropriate mode for trip-making. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will support the Town s compliance with provincial planning legislation by identifying opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of the Town s land use and transportation systems. 2.5 Ontario Municipal Act The Municipal Act (2001) is a consolidated statute governing the extent of powers and duties, internal organization and structure of municipalities in Ontario. The Municipal Act recognizes municipalities as responsible and accountable levels of government, and specifies the authorities of upper-tier municipalities (e.g. Halton Region) and lowertier municipalities (e.g. the Town of Halton Hills). Under the Act, local councils are able to determine the appropriate mechanisms for delivering municipal services to their communities. The Town of Halton Hills has the authority to establish by-laws related to several areas including: transportation systems, land use, structures, culture, parks, recreation, and the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of the municipality. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will focus on actions that can be implemented by the Town of Halton Hills under the Municipal Act, alone or in partnership with Halton Region. 2.6 Halton Region Initiatives The Region of Halton has several initiatives that complement the energy and GHG emissions goals of the Town of Halton Hills. Relevant Regional initiatives are described in more detail below. 6 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

13 2.6.1 Halton Region Official Plan The Halton Regional Official Plan gives clear direction on how physical development should take place in Halton, and in so doing, outlines a long-term vision for Haltonʹs physical form and community character. In conforming to the Provincial legislation and plans including the Ontario Planning Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, the Greenbelt Plan, and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area, Halton Region prepared Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 38 (ROPA 38) to meet the current and future needs of its residents to The following policies and goals from the Official Plan relate to energy conservation and support the objectives of the Mayor s Community Energy Plan: 85(8): To encourage the Local Municipalities and the building and development industry to develop innovative housing designs that stress flexibility in use, mix of compatible land uses, good environmental practices, universal physical access, public safety and security needs, cost-efficiency, affordability and energy and natural resource conservation while maintaining sound engineering and planning principles. 86(23): Encourage the Local Municipalities to consider innovative residential development designs, which contribute to affordability and energy and natural resource conservation. 141(6): Engage the Halton community in the pursuit of measures, including the undertaking of pilot projects, to improve air quality, promote energy and water conservation and generally improve environmental quality in Halton. 142(7): To promote tree planting in both rural and urban areas for the purposes of improving air quality and reducing energy use through shading and sheltering. 171: To provide a safe, convenient, affordable, efficient and energyconserving transportation system in Halton, while minimizing the impact on the environment. 174: To encourage and ensure the conservation and wise economic use of energy and to minimize adverse impacts caused by its provision. 175(1): To guide development and transportation services so that energy consumption is held to a minimum. 175(2): To reduce energy used in public and private buildings. 175(3): To promote the use of those forms of energy that pose the least environmental risk. 175(4): To achieve active participation of energy conservation by all residents and businesses in Halton. 175(5): To take an active part in decisions regarding the planning and development of utility corridors in Halton. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 7

14 2.6.2 ROPA 38 In 2009, the Region undertook a five-year Regional Official Plan Review know as the Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 38 (ROPA 38). This amendment incorporates the results of the Sustainable Halton process and the comprehensive review of the Regional Official Plan. Specific guidelines, including the Healthy Communities Guideline and the Co-ordinated Municipal Response to Renewable Energy Proposal Guideline, have been developed to clarify and explain the policies of ROPA 38. These guidelines are described in more detail below: Healthy Communities Guideline (Draft) The purpose of the Healthy Communities Guideline is to establish an implementation framework to transform the policies and objectives of ROPA 38 into concrete municipal policy directions and tangible development outcomes for new and existing communities. The guideline outlines sustainability goals, actions and measures that address energy and air pollution, some of which are listed below: Reduce demand for energy from the grid and encourage renewable energy production; Encourage passive solar orientation to permit enhanced energy efficiencies by creating optimum conditions for the use of passive and active solar strategies; Encourage development plans to implement street and block alignments within 25 degrees of geographic east-west to maximize passive solar orientation of building front and rear windows; Promote the use of alternative energy delivery systems, such as district energy for heating and cooling; and Promote the use of transit and active transportation as alternative modes of transportation. Co-ordinated Municipal Responses to Renewable Energy Proposal Guideline (Draft) The Co-ordinated Municipal Responses to Renewable Energy Proposal Guideline provides information for the Region and its local municipalities when responding to applications for Renewable Energy projects (REA) under the Green Energy Act (GEA). The intent of the report is to coordinate approaches, resources, and expertise among the municipalities when responding to and addressing applications under the REA process. This report provides the following information: Triggers for municipal action; Municipal co-operation; and Establishing a registry of REA applications. 8 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

15 2.6.3 Corporate Sustainability Action Plan The Corporate Sustainability Action Plan lists actions and targets in six themes. Key actions from these themes that address energy and greenhouse gas emissions include the following: Include the purchase of renewable energy into the Green Procurement Policy; Investigate renewable energy opportunities for all suitable Regional assets; Develop a process to ensure the funds recouped from energy savings are reinvested into energy-related initiatives; Prepare a Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory report and forecast and set a GHG emissions reduction target; Monitor, report, and verify results to make sure the emissions reduction target will be met; Develop a Green Building policy for new construction and renovation of Halton Region facilities; Replace incandescent bulbs with more efficient light sources at all Regionally owned facilities; Use solar powered Variable Message Signs at the Region s construction sites; Develop and implement a Green Fleet Strategy that includes achieving the Bronze Level of E3 Fleet rating and using alternative fuel sources for fleets; and Conduct a right-size survey of all vehicles in the Region s fleet Active Transportation Master Plan 2.7 Other Initiatives The Halton Region Active Transportation Master Plan is currently being developed to create a 20-year vision for active transportation in the Region. This plan will provide Halton Region with a strategy for infrastructure (e.g. sidewalks, multi-use paths, bike lanes, and crosswalks), as well as initiatives and programs to promote non-vehicle powered modes of transportation (e.g. walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, and moving with mobility devices). The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will seek to align with these Regional initiatives and find synergies where possible. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will also be developed with consideration to the activities of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton, the tools developed by the Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency, and the requirements and opportunities created by the Ontario Building Code and Water Opportunities Act. These are described briefly below. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 9

16 2.7.1 Credit Valley Conservation Authority Credit Valley Conservation Authority is working to promote low-impact development (LID) and has published a number of guidance documents, including a discussion paper, factsheets, a low-impact development construction guide, a stormwater management criteria document, and a stormwater management planning and design guide. The Credit Valley Conservation Authority s focus on low-impact development is aligned with the Government of Ontario s Provincial Policy Statement (2005), Water Opportunities Act (2010), Places to Grow plans, and other priorities Conservation Halton Conservation Halton has developed the plan Conservation Halton Strategic Plan: Towards a Healthy Watershed. Through this plan Conservation Halton wishes to: integrate environmental planning with community growth based on an environment-first approach; provide leadership in preparing for the potential impacts of climate change on the watershed; and foster strong relationships with partner municipalities, other orders of government, non-government organizations, and private organizations. Conservation Halton s objective to integrate environmental planning with community growth aims to align with the Niagara Escarpment and Greenbelt Plans, and Municipal Official Plans and Zoning Bylaws Ontario Building Code Ontario Building Code 2006, Supplementary Standards SB-10 and SB- 12 (effective as of January 1, 2012) establish enhanced energy efficiency requirements for houses and large buildings in Ontario. To comply with SB-10 s energy efficiency standards, large buildings must comply with one of the following three paths: Exceed by not less than 25% the energy efficiency levels attained by conforming to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). Achieve energy efficiency levels attained by ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA as modified by SB10 Chapter 2 of Division 3 (enhanced building envelope). Exceed by not less than 5% the energy efficiency levels attained by conforming to the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA The first path is about equivalent to LEED Canada NC 2009 Minimum Energy Performance Prerequisite. Houses must meet the performance level that is equal to a rating of 80 or more when evaluated in accordance with EnerGuide80 (using the Hot 2000 energy modeling software), or conform to the specific stringent requirements set out in Supplementary Standard SB INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

17 2.7.4 Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Natural Resources Canada s Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) is mandated to strengthen and expand Canada's commitment to energy efficiency in order to help address the Government of Canada's policy objectives. The OEE is no longer offering ecoenergy incentives for retrofits. However, the OEE has developed energy efficiency tools, standards, and ratings for buildings, for homes, for equipment, for industry, and for vehicles. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 11

18 3 Town of Halton Hills Strategies and Plans For the Town of Halton Hills, energy has additional strategic importance. Well before undertaking the Mayor s Community Energy Plan, the Town has been actively implementing and exploring energy conservation opportunities. In addition, several Halton Hills plans and strategies support energy conservation and GHG emissions reduction. These reports demonstrate the Town s commitment to the environment, energy, and sustainability. They establish relevant goals for the Town, as a community and as a corporation. These plans and strategies are briefly described below. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will align with the current strategic plans and will provide a roadmap for corporate energy excellence and community energy sustainability. 3.1 Town of Halton Hills Strategic Plan The Halton Hills Strategic Plan identifies a community vision and corporate mission to plan for a vibrant urban and rural community. The Strategic Plan also includes a comprehensive list of objectives to meet the Town s strategic directions. The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will advance a number of Strategic Directions, including to: Foster a healthy community; Preserve, protect and enhance the environment; Foster a prosperous economy; Achieve sustainable growth; Provide sustainable infrastructure & services; and Provide responsive, effective municipal government. The objectives that specifically address energy and GHGs include: Developing innovative programs and partnerships related to sustainable design and energy efficiency; Encouraging improvements to air quality through facility management, land use planning, transportation management and other programs, and work with other orders of government to address greenhouse gas emissions; and Conserving energy through community design, land use planning, transportation planning, and the design/retrofitting of public and private buildings. Also within the Strategic Plan are actions that support each objective, further demonstrating the Town s commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. Below is a list of key actions: Develop a Community Energy Plan, in cooperation with Halton Hills Community Energy Corporation; 12 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

19 Establish minimum standards for sustainable design and energy efficiency for all new Town funded capital projects; Continue to encourage and promote sustainable design and energy efficiency to home and business owners, by way of policy development and/or by Town example of best practice implementation; Work with developers to facilitate best practices in sustainable design and energy efficiency objectives; Continue to monitor best-practices, and implement energy conservation in municipal buildings and infrastructure; Assess alternate fuel for fleet applications; Complete a comprehensive review of fleet composition to determine where efficiencies can be achieved through right sizing ; Implement the Cycling Master Plan and the Active Transportation initiatives identified in the Transportation Master Plan; and Design new Facilities to incorporate LEED Strategies. 3.2 Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy The Integrated Community Sustainability Strategy (ICSS) establishes environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability goals, and a long-term vision for the Town of Halton Hills to the year Energy is a main focus area for achieving environmental health, and several energy-related goals provide strategic direction to reach the Town s vision. These goals include: Fostering a culture of conservation by preparing energy plans focusing on efficiency and renewable power generation; Demonstrating leadership in local renewable energy generation and conservation; Using sustainable building standards for design, construction and operation of new developments and renovations; Reducing energy consumption through vehicle technologies; Reducing the amount of energy consumed by residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and business sectors; and Maximizing the amount of locally generated thermal and electrical energy from renewable sources. The ICSS has been endorsed by Council as being the Town s key document used to position Halton Hills as a leader in sustainability by acting as a blueprint to seamlessly integrate sustainability into the Town s day-to-day decision making, plans, policies and other initiatives. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 13

20 3.3 Town of Halton Hills Official Plan The Halton Hills Official Plan, as amended by Official Plan Amendments No. 9 and 10, outlines a long-term vision for the Town and provides direction as to how development should take place to meet the current and future needs of its people to the year The Plan demonstrates the Town s commitment to energy conservation by identifying five topics that relate to energy and land use planning. These topics encourage the promotion of: Compact urban form in new greenfield areas that is transit supportive; Mixed use development in appropriate locations and live-work relationships that reduce automobile use; Lot and building design that maximizes direct access to sunlight during the winter; The use of vegetation that will reduce energy consumption of buildings; and Cycling and walking. 3.4 Halton Hills Green Plan The Halton Hills Green Plan demonstrates the commitment of residents, businesses, and the municipality to thinking globally and acting locally. The intent of the Green Plan is to lead the community in a direction that will preserve, protect and enhance [the] environment in accordance with the Town s Strategic Plan. The Plan lists several energy-related initiatives that the Town has already implemented, including: lighting retrofits and programs, installation of energy efficient features and equipment, use of LEED principles in the design of new buildings, and DSM load reduction, among many others. The Plan also highlights 70 ways to further engage the community and promote energy conservation at Town facilities. Recommended actions that specifically address energy include: Purchasing an Energy and Environmental Management System to track energy performance and costs; Meeting with developers and builders to discuss standards for new subdivision development that reduce energy and water consumption; Making bio-diesel available for all Town owned diesel vehicles; Sourcing renewable energy for Town facilities; and Requiring that energy efficient vehicle quotations be included in vehicle bids. 14 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

21 In 2012, 65 actions were taken which advanced approximately 73% of the Green Plan s 70 recommendations. Some of these actions include: Obtaining LEED Gold certification for the Acton Library and designing the Halton Hills Library and Cultural Centre to LEED Silver; Installing energy-efficiency windows at the Cedarvale Community Centre and reducing heat loss; Creating Sustainable Purchasing procedures; Participating in Smart Commute, a transportation demand reduction program to reduce GHG emissions, vehicle kilometers travelled, and commuting costs; Community events and programs such as: Bike it to the Market, Earth Hour, Halton Fresh Food Box program, and the Walking School Bus program; Focusing on complete streets that allow for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities to move safely along a street; and Applying to the provincial Feed-in-Tariff program. 3.5 Green Building Standard Study The Town is currently developing new Green Building Standards. These new Standards will put in place more comprehensive secondgeneration green building requirements for new development, including residential and non-residential uses. The new Standards will result in an update and enhancement of the Town s existing awardwinning Green Development Evaluation Checklist, which contains 23 first-generation green development requirements. The existing 23 criteria address six building performance categories, specifically: energy conservation, water conservation and quality, transportation, indoor air quality, innovation, and communication and monitoring. Once the new Green Building Standards are completed, the Town will be able to use them as a tool to create greener and more sustainable communities. 3.6 Economic Development Strategy The Economic Development Strategy was developed to guide the Town over the next 10 years ( ) and assist in creating and retaining jobs and increasing property assessments for the community. Although there are no recommendations specific to energy, it is suggested that many companies are attracted to the area due to the Town s pro-active energy sustainability model. The Town has demonstrated its commitment to energy by updating and implementing the Green Development Evaluation Checklist to ensure new developments are more energy efficient and by introducing various energy-related programs and policies; continuation of this commitment will contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity in the area. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 15

22 3.7 Transportation Master Plan and Cycling Master Plan The Transportation Master Plan identifies strategies to meet the transportation challenges facing the Town to the year The Plan builds upon and supports existing policies and plans including the Strategic Plan, Official Plan and Green Plan. The Cycling Master Plan was developed to guide Halton Hills in the implementation of a Townwide cycling network over the next ten years and beyond. Both Plans promote increased use of public transit (i.e. GO Transit) and active transportation, which will reduce energy use and GHG emissions. 3.8 Smart Commute Plan Transportation is a major energy user and greenhouse gas emission generator. Smart Commute is a transportation demand reduction program, focused on reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, encouraging alternative travel choices, and reducing the environmental, economic and community costs of vehicle travel. In 2012, Metrolinx and Smart Commute Halton recognized the Town with a Smart Commute Workplace designation. This designation recognizes the Town s commitment to being an employer that supports sustainable transportation options through its participation in the Smart Commute program. These options include carpooling, cycling, providing sheltered bike lockers, and walking. 3.9 Southwest Georgetown Secondary Planning Project The Southwest Georgetown Secondary Planning Project is a three-year, multi-phase project that will guide the development of future residential/mixed use in the southwest area of Georgetown. The plan is unique in that it addresses sustainable and environmental planning considerations including: broad-based community engagement, community visioning, sub-watershed planning, urban design, heritage conservation, energy management, and development phasing. The new development will align with strategic directions outlined in the Town of Halton Hills Strategic Plan, and will contribute to the sustainability and energy vision of the Town. These new communities will be more people-friendly, community-oriented, cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Halton Hills Generating Station Halton Hills is home to a natural gas-fired combined cycle electricity generating facility capable of producing MW of electricity. Located along the Industrial Corridor, the facility became operational in 2010 and is under a 20-year power purchase arrangement with the OPA. The generating station uses high efficiency and low emissions technologies, and has the capacity to generate power to meet the needs of 700,000 homes. This generating facility is relevant to the Energy Plan because it is a major local energy producer. 16 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

23 4 Conclusion The Mayor s Community Energy Plan will help the Town move towards its 2060 vision and achieve its environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability goals. At the same time, developing and implementing the Mayor s Community Energy Plan will enable the Town to comply with Regulation 397/11 of Ontario s Green Energy Act, and to fulfill the requirements of the FCM Partners for Protection Program. Beyond these benefits, the Plan will align with numerous energy and environmental initiatives of the federal, provincial, and regional governments, and will further demonstrate the Town s leadership in corporate and community sustainability. Already, the Town has made impressive efforts to increase its energy efficiency and to promote sustainable community development. The Town s energy efficiency activities and accomplishments to date will serve as a valuable foundation for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan. Like previous Town initiatives, the Energy Plan will identify actions that are practical, affordable, reasonable, educational and enforceable (PAREE) implementable actions that create triple bottom line benefits. Finally, it is an opportune time for the Mayor s Community Energy Plan, given the financial incentives available for energy efficiency from Halton Hills Hydro and Union Gas. These incentives will reduce the costs of implementing the actions identified in the Plan, and will further enhance the financial benefits of energy efficiency measures for the Town. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 17

24 Appendix A. Utility Incentive Programs This section describes incentives and services that are currently available from the Town s electricity and natural gas utilities. The Town of Halton Hills can take advantage of these incentives to implement the measures that will be included in its CDM plan for corporate facilities. The Local Action Plan may also include strategies to increase the uptake of these programs in the broader Halton Hills community. Additional details as to the applicability of these incentives will be provided as part of the Mayor s Community Energy Plan. Halton Hills Hydro / Ontario Power Authority saveonenergy Programs Full details are available at: Demand Response (DR3) Program The OPA s Demand Response 3 (DR3) Program offers rebates to voluntary participants in the commercial and industrial sector, of 50 kw or greater, to reduce the amount of power being used during certain periods of the year. Participants are scheduled to be on standby approximately 1,600 hours per calendar year and are notified to reduce their load up to 100 to 200 hours within the year depending on the contract. Payments are made to participants based on their actual energy reduction during the demand response event. Alternatively, participating organizations can sign a contract with an aggregator to reduce the risk of not meeting required load reductions. Process and System Upgrade Initiatives (PSUI) The process and systems upgrade program provides support for facilities to identify major energy saving opportunities and continue to take advantage of these savings. The program offers two types of services: 1 Energy efficiency upgrades includes a three-step feasibility and upgrade process (preliminary engineering study, detailed engineering study and capital incentives) 2 Energy management and monitoring provides long-term support to increase savings (includes an embedded energy manager and a monitoring and targeting plan) Organizations can receive up to 70 percent funding for major energysaving upgrade projects. Equipment Replacement Incentive Initiative (ERII) This program offers incentives to non-residential customers to reduce electricity demand and consumption by upgrading to more energyefficient equipment for uses such as, lighting, space cooling, ventilation, elevators, and sub-metering. Upgrades are subject to project measurement and verification (M&V) to confirm the new equipment achieves energy and demand savings. Successful 18 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

25 participants are eligible to receive between $10,000 to $25,000 for basic upgrades, and more than $25,000 for enhanced upgrades. High Performance New Construction program The Ontario Power Authority supports up to 100% of the cost of modeling a new energy efficient building (up to $10,000). Approved projects are also eligible for incentives for energy savings through a prescriptive path, an engineered path, or a custom path with incentives based on modelled energy performance. There is no cap on the incentives for energy savings. Audit funding program Businesses can receive up to 50% of the cost of an energy audit, or up to a certain dollar amount (whichever is less based on the size of the facility and complexity of the audit). Energy audits can identify ways to save energy through equipment replacement, operational procedures, or participation in Demand Response initiatives. Existing Building Commissioning The program provides incentives for large buildings (>50,000ft 2 ) with chiller water plants. Incentives cover: hiring an expert to analyze the Chilled Water System and make recommendations for increasing its energy efficiency; buying and installing metering equipment; and implementing the recommended upgrades. The participant incentives are broken down into four project phases: 1 Scoping Study: amount charged, to a maximum of $2, Investigation Phase: up to $30, Implementation Phase: up to $5,000 plus up to 50% of purchasing and installing equipment costs. 4 Completion Phase: amount charged, to a maximum of $2,500. Union Gas EnerSmart Programs Full details are available at: New and Retrofitted Equipment Incentive Program This program provides 15% of incremental high efficiency upgrade costs, up to $40,000, to implement measures that reduce natural gas consumption. Typical projects include building controls, high efficiency process equipment, and building envelope technologies. Energy Efficiency Engineering Feasibility Study Program This program covers 30-50% of costs of an energy audit or engineering analysis study on an existing building or process. Audits and studies aim to determine the changes that would increase the overall energy efficiency of the building or process. Typical projects include thermal surveys, facility air-balances, HVAC audits, energy audits, benchmarking activities and equipment upgrade studies. MAYOR S COMMUNITY ENERGY PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER 19

26 Stream Trap Survey Program This program covers 50% of costs, up to $6,000, to inspect steam traps. The inspection will ensure that steam traps are functioning properly and determine if there is a need for condensate return system improvements. Process Improvement Study Program This program provides an incentive of 66% of costs, up to $20,000, for the completion of a study on optimizing the energy use of a specific natural gas process, operation, or piece of equipment. The study identifies opportunities, determines a detailed cost analysis, establishes financial justification and verifies energy savings. Typical projects include steam plant audits, process integration analyses, heat integration studies and process operation improvement studies. RunSmart Building Optimization This program provides $0.10/m 3, to a maximum of $20,000, for the implementation of low-cost/no-cost energy saving measures and activities that optimize a building's energy use. Examples include: verifying dampers and valves on air handling units, calibrating sensors and instrumentation, reducing excessive exhaust quantities, and checking insulation integrity. Buildings must use at least 200,000 m 3 of natural gas a year, not have been recommissioned in the past five years, and have natural gas heating. Demonstration of New Technologies Program This program offers incentives for the adoption of new technologies that improve energy efficiency and can be used as demonstration sites. The program covers 10% of costs, up to a maximum of $50,000. Meters and Integrated Energy Management Systems Union Gas helps fund the installation of natural gas, steam or hot water meters (50% of each meter, up to $5,000 per customer). Union Gas will also fund up to 50% of the assessment and installation of energy management system. Prescriptive and quasi-prescriptive incentives Incentives are also offered for boiler tune-ups, and space heating, water-heating, and cooking equipment, including: air curtains, destratification fans, condensing boilers, non-condensing high efficiency boilers, energy and heat recovery ventilators, infrared heaters, condensing rooftop make-up units, condensing gas water heaters, and Energy Star dishwashers. Customer education Union Gas will help fund workshops and seminars, and can provide access to technical information. 20 INDECO STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.

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28 providing environmental and energy consulting to private, public and non-governmental organizations IndEco Strategic Consulting Inc 77 Mowat Avenue Suite 412 Toronto ON M6K 3E INDECO info@indeco.com