The previous GHG reduction plan in Granby dated from 2017. The objective, which was achieved according to Mayor Julie Bourdon, was then a 2.7% reduction in emissions. The City has therefore considerably raised expectations for its action plan over the next six years. “It’s ambitious,” she conceded in the press scrum. […] With this plan, we want to take a step forward.”
The initiatives put forward by Granby, whose budget is estimated at $17 million, aim to “limit the impacts of climate change,” mentioned municipal councilor Catherine Baudin, who is notably part of the Environment Commission of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec (UMQ). “The issue is global and everyone must make their contribution, no matter how small. Even on a local level.”
Among these concrete actions, the City is focusing in particular on the “replacement of natural gas with natural biogas in municipal buildings,” underlined Julie Bourdon. The target is 28% natural biogas consumption by 2030. We also want to place greater emphasis on electricity as a Source of energy in municipal buildings (around 55% compared to natural gas). Overall, Granby wants to reduce its GHG emissions in its buildings and facilities by 36% by 2030.
We also plan to plant 7,000 trees in 2024. Granby has also adopted a new regulation for the greening of parking areas. We are also focusing on a conservation plan for natural environments.
Parking
The gradual electrification of the fleet of light municipal vehicles, around thirty, is also in the pipeline. The City estimates that this would, ultimately, halve the GHGs linked to its vehicle fleet.
Among its targets, the City wants to gradually replace part of its vehicle fleet with electric models. We see here Julie Bourdon (mayor) and municipal councilors Paul Goulet and Catherine Baudin. (Stéphane Champagne/La Voix de l’Est)
This measure revolves around the installation of electric charging stations and “the replacement of two to three vehicles per year”, we can read in the action plan.
In this regard, the Municipality also recommends the gradual purchase of more energy-efficient vehicles. This “considering an annual vehicle replacement rate of 5% and a lifespan of 15 years.” In addition, reducing the ecological footprint of the municipal fleet involves using, as much as possible, biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) for half of the vehicles by the end of 2029.
Call to the community
The City wants the population to follow suit in its GHG reduction plan. In this sense, we advocate the adoption by citizens of means of transport that promote active mobility. “And we are also working to improve public transportation,” argued Julie Bourdon.
The mayor also recalled that the City is working on a pilot project to loan electric bicycles. It remains to be seen whether the population will be ready to change their habits.
Regarding residences, one of the measures to achieve the ambitious target of 35% reduction in GHGs in the community consists of the gradual reduction in the use of fuel oil. The latter represent 25% of home heating systems in Granby, according to the City. In terms of incentives, the Municipality is enhancing government subsidies in this area.
We also anticipate that “37.5% of vehicles will be electric in 2030” in the community. In particular thanks to the installation of several level II (240 V) and level III (400 V) charging stations throughout the territory.
Like the Municipality, we want citizens, businesses and merchants who have not yet made the leap to electric vehicles to favor biofuels for their cars.
Among other measures, we want Granby residents to also adopt electric off-road vehicles. We also encourage car sharing of a private electric vehicle and carpooling to get to work. “We are going to set up an energy awareness and education campaign. […] We want to work for the environment. In terms of adaptation to climate change, we know that reducing GHGs is a very important factor,” mentioned Julie Bourdon.
Note that the City has mandated the firm Groupe Conseil Carbone to find “existing or future” subsidies that would help it achieve its objectives.
