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What We Heard Report- Housing Solutions Lab Context Workshop

What We Heard Report- Housing Solutions Lab Context Workshop

What We Heard Report- Housing Solutions Lab Homeowners Workshop

What We Heard Report – Housing Solutions Lab Homeowners Workshop

Value Added Housing Hubs: What We Heard

This What We Heard report reflects the dialogue at the online roundtable convened by SFU’s Renewable Cities on March 9th, 2023, to explore the potential for harnessing..

Value Added Housing Hubs: Catalyzing Dialogue and Action on Affordability, Climate & the Economy

This Renewable Cities’ roundtable discussion paper aims to catalyze policy and planning discourse amongst diverse stakeholders to accelerate action on three critical priorities: affordability, climate change..

SFU Housing Solutions Lab advances affordability, climate and seniors’ care

Under-utilized single-family homes are a significant, untapped opportunity to create a much-needed rental housing supply on Vancouver’s North Shore and beyond, according to SFU’s new..

Five ways to reduce our reliance on cars and make us healthier, more connected and climate-friendly.

Last year, Nathan and his wife moved from a Vancouver apartment to a townhouse in South Surrey for a bigger home and more green space…

Smart Mobility Pricing: Policy Innovation Can Meet Revenue Shortfall and Council Priorities on Transit, Jobs, Congestion & Carbon

Renewable Cities’ response to proposed City of Vancouver motion: Transport Pricing Suspension. To view the PDF version of this letter click here. Re: Support for..

Better Community, Better Climate: BC Local Election Candidates’ Guide

Local governments have an extraordinary opportunity to address the big, challenging priorities of British Columbians:  Cost of Living Health Care Climate Change Housing Economy Safety..

BC’s Climate Adaptation Strategy: Wasting a Crisis

BC’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy fails to address key extreme heat prevention recommendations.

Extreme Heat Events: Prevention & Resilient Communities

As we approach the one-year anniversary of British Columbia’s record-setting heat dome, a new report by the BC Coroners Service, Extreme Heat and Human Mortality:..

Overcoming Barriers to Prefab and Mass Timber Construction

Engaging building and local government stakeholders on overcoming barriers to prefabrication and mass timber construction.

Life Is a Broadway

On May 18, 2022, Vancouver City Council is considering the Broadway Plan, an ambitious plan to guide the next 30 years of growth along the..

Metro 2050: Strategy Course Correction Essential to Deliver on Regional Growth Plan Goals

A course correction for Metro 2050 Regional Growth Strategy: ensure policies support a vision for a sustainable, low carbon, climate resilient region.

Thought Leaders’ Outlook 2022

Thought leaders on climate and cities share their high priority climate actions for 2022.

Net Zero & High Performance Prefab Wood Construction

New project aims to characterize and solve the biggest local government barriers to mid-rise, mass timber construction: land use policies.

MAKING METRO 2050 MATTER: CLIMATE, CONGESTION, AFFORDABILITY & PROSPERITY

Renewable Cities recommends a course correction on sustainable land use in Metro Vancouver.

Vancouver’s Making HOME Policy Can Address Multiple City Priorities

The proposed Making HOME policy has the potential to contribute to multiple city priorities: climate action, affordability, congestion management, neighbourhood revitalization and resilience.

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

In 2021, Renewable Cities advised local, provincial and federal governments on low-cost, high-impact climate policies to support the urban energy transition.

Op-ed: New climate roadmap – hazards and national landmarks on the path to 2030

Without better land use, there will be more fossil fuel cars and congestion on our roads in 2030 than today.

STREAMLINING RENTAL IN LOW & DECLINING DENSITY NEIGHBOURHOODS IN VANCOUVER

The City of Vancouver must be commended for courageously considering the removal of barriers to low rise rental and commercial along major arterials in low..

CleanBC Roadmap to 2030: Compelling Destination, Big Roadside Attractions & Cautionary Signs for B.C. Communities

Renewable Cities policy review: While there are some bumpy sections, B.C.’s updated climate plan includes destinations that should attract national and global attention in helping confront local and global crisis.

High Performance Outcomes for Canada’s Infrastructure

Canada’s long-term infrastructure vision should be built around ten shared, interrelated priorities that respond to social, economic and environmental challenges.

PROVINCIAL CLIMATE ACTION TARGETS & TACTICS

Renewable Cities provides analysis for the BC Government on setting sectoral targets for emissions reductions.

New Centre Aims to Accelerate Urban Climate Action in Metro Vancouver

A new low carbon innovation centre aimed at accelerating urban climate action is coming to Metro Vancouver.

Course Correction Needed on Zero Emission Vehicle Act

Renewable Cities’ submission on B.C.’s proposed ZEV Act regulations.

Managing Risks & Mapping a Resilient Urban Recovery

A resilient recovery roadmap for climate action in cities.

Vancouver’s Leadership: Responding to the Climate Emergency

Renewable Cities urges Vancouver City Councillors to support the Climate Emergency Action Plan.

VANCOUVER’S CLIMATE EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Renewable Cities offers support and considerations for Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

ADVANCING COMPLETE, COMPACT RURAL & URBAN COMMUNITIES IN B.C.

Building complete, compact rural and urban communities in B.C. is essential for ensuring a resilient, prosperous and equitable future. Compact development reduces GHG emissions, minimizes..

Op-ed: A resilient recovery starts in our backyards and on our doorsteps

B.C.’s housing and demography mismatch presents challenges, but also massive, untapped opportunities.

Resilient Recovery: Taking Action on Housing, Seniors, Jobs & Climate

Renewable Cities makes policy recommendations for affordable, low carbon housing solutions.

TRANSLINK BUS ELECTRIFICATION: SMART INVESTMENT & TIME TO MOVE BEYOND TECHNICAL FIXES

Bus Electrification is a prudent investment for cutting carbon, dirty diesel air pollution and upwards pressure on transit fares. However, TransLink must move beyond technical fixes to cost effectively cut carbon and congestion across the region.

2019 year in review

Thank you for joining us on our journey in 2019 as we helped accelerate the transition to renewable, resilient, restorative cities.

Op-ed: Federal transit spending could sustain high cost, high carbon cities

To meet our climate targets, it’s essential for the incoming government to link permanent transit infrastructure funding to a commitment for municipalities to plan smart, compact communities.

Op-ed: B.C. Ferries should focus on communities, carbon reduction, and clean tech, not cars and congestion

Renewable Cities executive director Alex Boston says it’s time to rethink B.C.’s ferry system to make it more climate-friendly.

Event Highlights: Electrifying Personal Transportation

Watch a recording of the session Electrifying Personal Transportation – Insights from Leading Jurisdictions at the Global Grid Forum 2019

Climate Emergency, Urban Opportunity: A call for compact, connected, and clean cities

The Coalition for Urban Transitions has released a new report highlighting the value of compact, connected and clean cities: Climate Emergency, Urban Opportunity.

Charging Forward: Insights from E-Mobility Innovators

Renewable Cities partnered with Edison Electric Institute and the Dutch Consulate to bring some of the world’s most advanced jurisdictions in transportation electrification to Vancouver, BC.

ELECTION CALL FOR PERMANENT FUNDING & ELECTRIFICATION OF TRANSIT

Renewable Cities supports FCM’s call for improved transit funding, along with a requirement for linking transit infrastructure to sustainable land use.

Climate Caucus Summit 2019, Vancouver, BC

EVENT UPDATE: Elected officials moved the low carbon agenda forward at the Climate Caucus Summit in Vancouver, BC.

Op-ed: Cities and states can tackle the climate crisis together—here’s how

A climate crisis is upon us and cities are stepping up to tackle it—but they can’t do it without support at state, provincial, and national levels. Alex Boston and Gregor Robertson make the case for collaboration.

Op-ed: California dreaming and doing—A model for climate collaboration

When California formulated the most aggressive climate change action plan in the United States, it reflected the need for close coordination between the state and its 540 local governments and state investment in local action.

Creating Livable Communities through Transit Oriented Development

Transit-oriented development is an essential component in any sustainable communities toolkit for urban areas. Mike McKeever shares his top 10 “must-do’s” in this guest post.

The Netherlands and Electric Vehicles: A Policy Model for the World

Home to a 200,000 vehicle fleet, a dense charging network and innovative policies, the European nation is a world leader in adopting zero-emission vehicles. Guest post by Sonja Munnix.

Op-ed: Vancouver’s new frontier—integrating climate action and affordability

Vancouver is poised to chart a path demonstrating the intensity of effort required to avoid the most serious consequences of climate change.

Revving up the clean energy transition requires local and senior government collaboration

A comprehensive approach to policy can leverage the strengths of each individual level of government.

Media release: Ramping up climate action in Vancouver will yield benefits for decades

Accelerating the Renewable City Strategy is an investment into a climate resilient, cost-effective and equitable future.

Thought leaders outlook: Energy in cities 2019

Urban energy leaders share reflections and outlook for energy efficient, renewable cities.

Urban energy transition: State of the movement 2019

An overview of recent international progress and obstacles to be overcome.

Media release: “CleanBC” can put British Columbia back on the climate leadership map

New policies outlined by the Government of BC will empower community climate action.

Zero-emission bus strategy could remove equivalent of 200,000 cars from B.C. roads

TransLink’s renewable energy strategy could be a template for bus fleets throughout the province.

Conference: State-City Collaboration on Clean Energy Transformations

How can national, subnational and local governments collaborate on the clean energy transition? | May 29–30, 2019

Metro Vancouver SkyTrain extension requires integrated land-use to be effective

We suggest minimum residential and job density thresholds, along with targets for greenhouse gas reductions.

Op-ed: Despite new mayors’ promises, transit extensions require population density, sound business models, to work

It has taken a decade to get all three levels of government on board for a new rapid transit deal for Metro Vancouver.

Event: 100% Renewable Transit – Seattle and Vancouver

What can we learn from two transit authorities transitioning to 100% RE? | Nov. 28, 2018

Progress update: 100% renewable energy and Canadian cities

Which Canadian local governments have taken steps towards 100% RE?

Op-ed: TransLink’s renewable energy leadership a model for bus fleets throughout B.C.

If TransLink’s precedent-setting work can be leveraged, we have an opportunity to cut costs and pollution in communities throughout B.C.

TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transit operator, sets 100% renewable energy target

TransLink’s renewables strategy will cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban momentum: Global Climate Action Summit 2018

Top local government highlights from San Francisco’s international gathering.

A clean growth strategy for British Columbia: Local governments at the forefront

Clean transportation and efficient buildings are key to affordability, health and climate.

Renewable Cities to host workshop at Global Climate Action Summit

Leading local governments to discuss the implementation of 100% RE on September 14 in San Francisco.

Renewable Energy Transition Strategies: Practical Innovations for Urban Areas

SFU’s Faculty of Environment and Renewable Cities to reconvene online course beginning fall 2018.

New research project will advance renewable natural gas agenda

This initiative will help build the capacity of B.C. local governments to generate renewable natural gas.

Event: Renewable natural gas – Unlocking local government potential in B.C.

Join us on June 15 for the launch of a new collaborative research project to explore options for local government RNG production. | Jun. 15, 2018

Op-ed: Team Canada needs an own the podium urban infrastructure program

One of Canada’s biggest and most stubborn emissions sources is personal transportation. Appropriately, one of the biggest infrastructure envelopes is public transit.

Event: Germany’s energy transition and cities – Economic insights and good policy

With Claudia Kemfert, Head of Department of Energy, Transportation, and Environment at DIW Berlin. | Apr. 12, 2018

Op-ed: Cities a gateway for climate, affordability and economic priorities

Before good progress can be made, we need to stop thinking in silos and bring all three levels of government to table.

Event: New energy and mobility futures

A conversation with Ethan Zindler, Head of Americas for Bloomberg New Energy Finance. | Mar. 13, 2018

New Report: Mapping Enabling Policies for Vancouver’s 100% Renewable Energy Strategy

This project engaged all three levels of government to better coordinate climate and energy policy.

Event: B.C.’s Climate Plan and the Urban Opportunity

A conversation with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for British Columbia. | Feb. 9, 2018

Op-ed: Hidden solutions to affordability and climate change

There are a wide range of hidden housing solutions on single-family lots: secondary suites; stratification of character homes; laneway suites; and laneway stratas.

Renewable Energy in Cities: State of the Movement

A review of global trends and developments and a thought leaders’ outlook for 2018.

2017 Year in Review

From Global Learning Forum 2017 to COP23, and everything between, see what the team accomplished.

Op-ed: Making the shift—An autonomous vehicle future requires bigger thinking

Cities would be wise to keep people at the centre of the urban and transportation planning.

Op-ed: Can Vancouver achieve 100-per-cent renewable energy?

Without a history of striving for challenging goals, Vancouver wouldn’t be the city it is today.

Municipality of Saanich endorses 100% renewable energy

Three cities in British Columbia have committed to phasing out fossil fuels by 2050.

Forum 2017 Outcomes

320 participants from around the world came together to discuss the urban energy transition.

Quick Take: 100% RE Dialogue in Colorado

This event represented the 2nd gathering of North American cities committed to 100% RE.

How Can Your City Introduce More Renewable Energy?

New SFU Faculty of Environment online course will teach renewable energy transition strategies.

US Cities Pledge to go Renewable, Plus New Resources and Events

250 cities in the United States made an aspirational commitment to 100% renewable energy.

Global Learning Forum 2017 Draws to a Close

Representatives from over 100 different municipalities converged to discuss the urban renewable energy transition.

Op-ed: Gas rings and smoke rings over Vancouver’s natural gas ‘ban’

Vancouver’s goal is consistent with the B.C. Government’s aim to make buildings ready for net zero emissions by 2032.

Five Reasons to Get Excited About Forum 2017

From an incredible group of people, including implementers and global thinkers, to cities with vanguard targets. And more!

2016 Year in Review

100% renewable energy developments and highlights from Renewable Cities’ latest year of work.

Join us for Global Learning Forum 2017 in Vancouver, Canada

Leaders from municipalities, the private sector, NGOs, utilities, the research community, and First Nations will gather to discuss 100% RE.

Outcomes Report—North American Dialogue on 100% Renewable Energy in Cities

20 cities from across the US and Canada came together to discuss the path forward on renewable energy.

The City of Victoria adopts community-wide 100% renewable energy target

British Columbia’s capital becomes the second city in the province to aim for 100% renewable energy.

Op-ed: Fossil fuel firms face challenge of climate policies

Vancouver’s new Zero Emission Building Plan represents this exact shift.

Michael Small: North America, The New Frontier for 100% Renewable Energy

Our dialogue event brought together 20 cities to help advance the urban energy transition.

Session Report—Zero Emissions, Big Business

How can the private sector help cities deliver on the promise of the Paris Agreement?

Report—Renewable Energy Challenge at GLOBE 2016

100 policy-makers and experts gathered to develop solutions for Vancouver and New York City.

The Government of Canada and Urban Energy

Cities need supportive policies, resources, and coordination for the urban energy transition.

Oxford County adopts 100% Renewable Energy Plan

Oxford is now the second local government in Canada with a comprehensive 100% RE plan.

Announcing Global Learning Forum 2017

Urban energy leaders are invited to participate in Global Learning Forum 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Front Line of Energy: Thought Leader Interviews

We caught up with Global Learning Forum alumni for an update and to get their thoughts on renewables.

British Columbia’s Climate Leadership Plan, Towards Renewable Cities

We support an ambitious Climate Leadership Plan that promotes renewables and energy efficiency.

On Location at BC’s First Community-Owned Solar Energy Project

This East Vancouver building is a solar, financing, and electric vehicle pioneer.

Announcing Two New Dialogue Reports

These international dialogues examined how cities are thinking about the transition to 100% renewable energy.

Renewable Energy and Cities at GLOBE 2016

Join us for two events at GLOBE 2016: Zero Emissions, Big Business and the Renewable Energy Challenge.

Global Learning Forum

We’re pleased to present a number of outcome materials from our program’s launch event, the Global Learning Forum, which was held in Vancouver, BC from May 13-15…

2015 Year in Review: It Was Great!

Renewable Cities officially launched in 2015 and we’re proud of our accomplishments, locally and internationally.

Op-ed: At the Paris climate talks, cities are a PM’s best friend

In co-operation with other levels of government, Canadian cities can achieve significant new emissions reductions that go well beyond what Canada has already pledged.

Cities, Renewable Energy, and COP21 in Paris

Our team will be facilitating a dialogue with a diverse group of world cities at the UN climate talks in Paris.

Op-ed: Plugging a City’s Energy Drain

With the Renewable City Strategy in place, residents, the City, and taxpayers will be able to capitalize on a number of energy-saving benefits.

The City of Vancouver Takes Another Step, Unanimously Adopts 100% RE strategy

The Renewable City Strategy charts a course for the City of Vancouver to move past fossil fuels by 2050, community-wide.

Op-ed: Reaping dividends by putting human health at the forefront

Vancouver’s strategy can help to deliver on that need while paying dividends to locals in the form of energy savings, cleaner air, and green jobs.

Renewable Cities to participate in “The Future of Cities” in China

The annual World Future Council forum brings together leading thinkers and researchers working towards regenerative cities.

Renewable Cities Heads to Germany for the Kassel International Dialogue on 100% Renewable Energy

The purpose of this dialogue is to bring together key city staff and thinkers to develop criteria for 100% renewable cities.

Renewable Cities Launches at the Global Learning Forum

Over a year of scoping, consultations with partners, and research has fed into our program’s development.

Op-ed: Cities take lead in renewable energy

Going green in this way isn’t just good for the planet, it is also good for the regional economy.

Op-ed: 100-per-cent renewable energy a paradigm shift

Shifting to 100-per-cent renewable energy is possible and a crucial step toward achieving climate security.

Renewable Cities Welcomes New Executive Director, Michael Small

Michael Small is the former Canadian High Commissioner to Australia and brings decades of policy and diplomatic experience.