Dollars and Sense - Municipal Sustainability Office

Dollars & Sense

Dollars and Sense - Energy Management

Introduction

In March 2007 Nova Scotia received $42.5 million from the Government of Canada’s Clean Air and Climate Change Trust Fund. The government formed ecoNova Scotia to administer these funds.

The primary goal of the EcoNova Scotia For Clean Air and Climate Change program has been to support projects that will help the province
meet its greenhouse gas emission and air pollution reduction targets under the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act and Climate Change Action Plan.

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities has also identified reducing fossil fuel use and the release of greenhouse gases and air pollution as key priorities. To help municipalities achieve these goals, the province invested $8.5 million to support over 100 municipal and community-based projects with a focus on creating sustainable communities throughout Nova Scotia.

The stories of what municipalities achieved with this funding are inspiring and energizing. It is our hope that the information on this website will help you to identify the next steps for your community.

Please take a few minutes to explore the success stories, including a section on the Town of Bridgewater that shows how one Nova Scotia community started with small steps that led to huge leaps in making the environment a priority in their municipality.

We have information for municipalities on how they can begin to address climate change. There are so many opportunities to make a difference close to home, and around the world, that will benefit many generations to come!

We also have a link to the UNSM’s database of funding program information, and other helpful resources that can help guide municipalities on energy management, reducing air pollutants, environmental sustainability and other initiatives. We encourage you to tap into the available resources that are here to help get your community started.

So much has been achieved since 2007, but there is much more that can be done. The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Whether your community is taking its first step or its millionth step, we challenge you to keep the momentum going on your municipality’s journey toward a greener environment.