Municipal Sustainability Office

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Dollars & Sense

Getting Started

There are many ways that your municipality can take steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and energy consumption but the most important first step is to conduct an energy audit. It’s an investment worth making. By identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and employ sustainable practices, municipalities can plan for investments that will reap rewards for many years to come.

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and the Nova Scotia Government have entered into a memorandum of understanding on climate change, pledging to work together to address climate change. Energy audits for each municipality are strongly encouraged under the terms of the MOU.

AND WHEREAS: The parties share a common understanding that climate change is unequivocal; that actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build adaptive capacity in Nova Scotia are essential; and that the Parties can benefit from a more coordinated and collaborative approach to addressing common climate change challenges and opportunities.
THEREFORE the purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to outline the terms and conditions upon which the Parties agree to work to address the challenges and opportunities of climate change.

Many of the success stories you will read on this website started with an energy audit. There is a good reason: the more information you have on energy consumption, the better decisions your community can make to reduce air pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases, and lower energy costs.

For more information on undertaking an energy audit, please visit the UNSM’s municipal sustainability office for list of consultants in Nova Scotia.

In addition to energy audits, municipalities should also designate a person responsible for sustainability. The designated sustainability person can:

  • Help ensure that your Integrated Community Sustainability Plan is implemented
  • Source new and existing funding programs
  • Keep council informed of technology and funding opportunities
  • Act as a leader and resource in engaging your community, getting residents excited about sustainability
  • Liaise with industry stakeholders

Energy management is not just about helping our environment. It is about creating economic and social opportunities for our communities. The clean technology sector, known as “cleantech”, is growing in our province. Companies, based in Nova Scotia, are taking their innovative products and services to national and global markets. As these companies grow, and new ones are developed, they will create even more jobs in Nova Scotia. Perhaps in your community. It’s an exciting time for Nova Scotia, but your municipality has to be ready to seize the opportunities!