Municipalities leading the way on environmentalism.

• Author: Henderson, Ben

During the next decade, how we build, manage and renew our cities and communities will be critical to establishing a greener economy--an economy built on climate change mitigation and community resilience. Local governments own and operate almost 60 per cent of Canada's infrastructure: transportation networks; public buildings; and water, wastewater and waste systems. Local governments have direct or indirect influence over nearly 50 per cent of all emissions of greenhouse gas in Canada.

Infrastructure is designed and built to last for many decades. So the infrastructure decisions made today will influence resource use, pollution generation and climate vulnerability for years to come. To create a more resilient and low-carbon economy depends, in large part, on the capacity of municipalities to make sound planning and investment decisions, and to strike a proper balance between financial, social and environmental considerations.

As someone who's devoted a significant part of my career to the municipal sector--including eight years and counting as a City of Edmonton councillor--I know the challenges municipalities face all too well. Municipal budgets are tight. Technologies that reduce pollution and consumption typically save money over the long term, but sometimes cost more up front. Furthermore, many green technologies are relatively new, while municipalities tend to be risk-averse. As a result, municipalities may be tempted to follow a familiar but less-sustainable approach.

In 2000, the tide began to change with the inception of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF). Established by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and endowed with a total of $500 million in federal funding--and an additional $50 million for grants--GMF is a program that partners with municipalities across the country. The program is equal parts lender, money manager, project analyst and teacher. It extends loans at competitive rates to municipalities for capital projects. The program also provides grants to help fund eligible tests, studies and plans. And most importantly, GMF analyzes the outcomes of all funded activities and shares the lessons learned to help other municipalities replicate successful projects.

The results have been nothing short of remarkable: significant reductions in the consumption of energy and water, and in air pollution and waste; volumes of research and case studies on what works, what doesn't and why; and numerous innovations studied...