Climate Change Action Plan 2018-2023

1. Adapting to Climate Change vided by locally generated wind Mitigation Strategy energy, making Prince Edward Is- (2017) www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/ 2. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions land a world leader in this respect. information/climate-change-mitigation- Wind energy not only reduces recommendations-report 3. Carbon Sequestration GHG emissions, but also contrib- 4. Education and Capacity Building Prince Edward Island Climate Change utes to the economy, creating Adaptation Recommendations Report 5. Research and Knowledge Building local jobs for Islanders, and provid- (2017) www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/ ing a sustainable energy supply for information/communities-land-and- Many of the actions in the Action Plan will residents and businesses. environment/climate-change-adaptation- be completed within the five-year window. (For more examples of Prince Edward recommendations-report Other actions will continue long after. Island’s actions on climate change, see timeline in Appendix 1). Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy Strategy 2016/2017 www. princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/ transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/ energy-strategy A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 7 ACTIONS Adapting to Climate Change Islanders are already aware that climate On-going Initiatives change is happening. Adapting our way of doing things will be critical if we are to suc- cessfully meet the challenges and opportu- Government is currently: nities presented by a changing climate. • investing in infrastructure upgrades that are increasing our resilience to climate change impacts; Adaptation will require action across many sectors, including: • evaluating innovative approaches to shore- line protection; • how we design our infrastructure, including bridges and culverts; • incorporating future climate extremes into • where we build our homes and businesses; emergency management planning; • how we manage our water resources; • sustainably managing and protecting our • how we manage and protect our ecosystems; and water resources, now and under future cli- • which crops we grow. mate conditions, through the new Water Act; Our Government continues to help local decision-makers • requiring stormwater systems and structures better understand and prepare for the impacts of climate on provincial highways and roads be de- change. signed to accomodate future extreme rainfall events; and • assessing erosion and flood risk for new coastal developments. 8 TAKING ACTION Commitment #1 Government will take proactive measures to reduce Prince Edward Island’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, and to take advantage of new opportunities that contribute to a prosperous and resilient economy. - Infrastructure - NEW ACTIONS Our schools, hospitals, fire areas may include moving to Government will: halls, bridges, businesses and a less vulnerable location or homes will all be affected protecting it with engineered 1. identify vulnerable public assets and as our climate changes. The solutions. infrastructure along the coast; threat of these impacts will 2. retrofit, relocate, or protect critical and One approach that is gaining require that new approaches vulnerable public infrastructure to address prominence is the use of be taken as we design and the impacts of climate change, as is feasible green infrastructure, such as locate our infrastructure. and cost-effective; green roofs and permeable Improved design standards 3. introduce new hazard guidance to inform pavement. This type of can ensure that structures development decisions and design in coastal infrastructure is intended will withstand new weather areas; and to mimic natural processes extremes. New development and has emerged as a cost- 4. pilot green infrastructure projects for will be encouraged in areas stormwater management and shoreline effective, less energy intensive less vulnerable to severe protection. solution to some weather weather events. Options for related problems. existing infrastructure in at-risk A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 9 - Water Resources - NEW ACTIONS Changing rain and snowfall wastewater management Government will: patterns, along with increasing systems, leading to flooding temperatures will influence and the release of untreated 5. model the impacts of climate change on water resources in Prince wastewater. streams, wetlands, and drinking water Edward Island. This may Prince Edward Island’s new resources; and challenge our ability to provide Water Act, introduced in 2017, an adequate, reliable, and safe 6. promote and enhance water conservation will determine how water will supply of drinking water along efforts as a way to reduce demands on water be protected in the future. with the provision of water to and wastewater systems. This legislation will ensure maintain healthy ecosystems the sustainability of our water and supply industrial needs. resources by establishing Not only will the supply of and enforcing new criteria for water be influenced by climate protecting the Island’s water change, but drier conditions supply. This work will require will increase the demand for collaboration between both water. More extreme weather provincial and municipal events, including heavy governments. rainfalls, may overwhelm some 10 TAKING ACTION - Ecosystems - As our climate changes, Sustainability is a key feature NEW ACTIONS the suitability of habitats to of any healthy ecosystem. This support plant and animal requires that the ecosystem populations and ecosystems can maintain its function and Government will: will also change. Some make-up even in the face of species of plants may no stressful change. Actions that 7. increase the province’s protected land base longer be able to grow here. help maintain or improve in order to connect habitats and enhance We may lose some fish species the health of ecosystems biodiversity; and as fish habitats change and can lessen the impact of new distribution and migration climate change. These actions 8. increase collaboration with watershed patterns develop. New can include efforts to add groups and other community organizations, animal species may become additional habitat, reduce building local capacity to improve habitat established as the climate fragmentation of habitat, and resilience. becomes more favourable enhance biodiversity (i.e., for them. All these changes the variety of all living things will affect the stability of our present). ecosystems. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 11 Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Prince Edward Island’s GHG emissions were Where do our greenhouse gases come from? 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent transportation 48% (CO2 eq) in 2016. On a per-capita basis, Prince Edward Island is among the lowest emitters in agriculture 25% Canada at 12 tonnes per person. buildings 16% Prince Edward Island’s Using fossil fuels to heat and emissions come primarily cool our buildings accounts for industry from five areas: transportation, less than 20 per cent of Prince 6% agriculture, buildings, Edward Island’s emissions. waste industry, and waste (Figure This includes homes, businesses, 4% 1). Transportation accounts schools, hospitals, and other Totals do not equal 100 percent due to rounding for almost half of our GHG institutions. Industries also Figure 1 emissions. Many of these produce emissions during the emissions come from manufacture and processing of passenger vehicles, such goods. On-going Initiatives as cars, trucks, and SUVs. The disposal and treatment Transport trucks, airplanes, of waste, including municipal Government is currently: boats, and recreational vehicles solid waste, compost, and also produce emissions. wastewater, can produce GHGs. • constructing efficient roadways and roundabouts that save motorists time and Agriculture is our second Garbage that is buried in money by reducing idling and emissions; largest source of GHG landfills, for example, produces emissions. Most farm-related methane when it breaks down. • diverting more waste per person from emissions come in the form landfill than any other province; Estimated GHG emission of methane and nitrous • using sustainably harvested biomass (e.g. reductions associated with the oxide, which are among the following actions are provided wood) to heat schools, hospitals, and other most potent GHGs. Methane in Appendix 3. government facilities; and emissions are mostly from • increasing the energy efficiency of new livestock (e.g., cattle belching) buildings through the adoption of the and manure. Nitrous oxide National Building Code and the National emissions come from the use Energy Code for Buildings. of nitrogen fertilizers in crop production. 12 TAKING ACTION 194,930,634 181,001,327 152,653,541 171,956,926 159,387,400 152,735,666 136,236,802 141,353,332 129,917,580 129,676,666 Commitment #2 132,452,846 136,433,793 114,599,425 Government, together with residents, businesses, and industries, will reduce provincial greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Furnace Oil Usage & Trend 200,000,000 - Built Environment - 180,000,000 160,000,000 litres of oil 140,000,000 120,000,000 100,000,000 There are many ways to reduce emissions. Existing programs 80,000,000 60,000,000 GHG emissions in both new have helped decrease 40,000,000 20,000,000 and existing buildings. Over furnace oil usage (Figure 2). - half of the energy we use in Appendix 4 lists the programs our homes is wasted (e.g. heat efficiencyPEI will be offering Year Figure 2 loss from homes). The most to help Islanders reduce their effective method of reducing GHG emissions. NEW ACTIONS emissions is to make buildings We can also take important more efficient. steps toward addressing Most homes and buildings climate change through the Government will: in Prince Edward Island still design of our communities. heat with home heating Land use planning helps direct 9. provide Island residents, businesses, oil–a carbon-intensive fossil how we move around and industries, and municipalities with more fuel. Switching how we heat design our cities, towns, and opportunities to reduce their energy our homes and buildings is communities. Planning can be consumption and switch to lower-carbon an effective way to reduce a powerful tool to help reduce energy systems and technologies by offering emissions. This can include GHG emissions by ensuring new and expanded programs and services switching fuels or installing that communities are walk-able through efficiencyPEI; and new, more efficient heating and transit friendly. In well-de- 10. encourage the design of efficient and equipment. Using heat pumps signed communities, people resilient communities through the (geo-thermal or air source) live close to the places they development of a provincial land use policy. and burning wood are both work, shop, and visit, encourag- alternative ways to heat our ing healthier and more active homes while producing fewer lifestyles. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 13 NEW ACTIONS Government will: - Sustainable Transportation - 11. develop initiatives that contribute to a more Sustainable forms of transportation include walking, biking, public sustainable transportation system; and transport, and driving low or zero emission vehicles. Where 12. design and install a province-wide electric walking and biking are not possible and a vehicle is required, vehicle charging network to meet the needs a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle is a viable alternative. Electric of both residents and visitors to Prince vehicles require less maintenance than conventional gasoline and Edward Island. diesel powered vehicles, are less expensive to run (e.g., saving $1,500-$2,000 per year on fuel), and eliminate GHG emissions and other forms of air pollution. Over 1/2 million passengers rode NEW ACTIONS the Charlottetown transit system in 2017, and ridership is growing each year. Government will: 13. install 20 additional biomass heating systems in public buildings; - Government Leadership - 14. increase the use of electric vehicles in its light-duty vehicle fleet; and The Climate Change Action Plan signals our government’s 15. implement a greening government program, continued commitment to reduce greenhouse gases in its own including the development of a GHG operations. emissions inventory for government, energy Over the past several years, 29 public buildings have been efficiency upgrades to provincial buildings, converted to biomass heating systems, greatly reducing the GHG improved fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, emissions from these facilities. Heating is not the only area where and a commitment to green procurement. government can improve its operations. Areas such as vehicle fleet management, green procurement, and energy conservation can yield significant emission reductions. 14 TAKING ACTION NU 15.8 NS 17.4 NB 18.8 Canada 19.5 NL 20.0 NT - Carbon Pricing 38.2- AB 62.3 SK 68.3 Carbon pricing is an economic tool whereby a relative financial 80.0 cost is applied to the use of 70.0 fuels that contain carbon. The cost signal provided through 2016 Per capita relative carbon pricing is 60.0 emissions designed to encourage people (tonnes CO2eq per person) 50.0 to use less of these fuels and move to more environmentally 40.0 friendly options. In the fall of 2016, the 30.0 Government of Canada announced that all provinces 20.0 will be required to adopt some form of carbon pricing 10.0 to achieve carbon mitigation 0.0 goals. Prince Edward Island has sought a pricing solution that meets the objective of moving people away from As a province, PEI has the lowest overall emissions in carbon-intensive consumption Canada and is the 2nd lowest per capita emitter. and keeps a level field with our regional neighbours. We continue to work to achieve the goals of the Pan- A first step has been to Canadian Framework for Clean NEW ACTIONS decrease the relative price of Growth and Climate Change electric heating in homes. This and being alert to regional and 10% price reduction results national objectives, including Government will: in an overall $7.3 million per an overall approach to carbon year in pricing differential and pricing that makes sense for 16. Work to achieve the goals of the Pan- provides a clear price signal to the residents and economy Canadian Framework and, through relative encourage clean energy over of Prince Edward Island. As a pricing on cleaner energy, mitigation efforts carbon-intensive uses in home province, PEI is the smallest and clean growth, building on PEI’s existing heating consumption. emitter in Canada and has record of low emissions. the second lowest per capita

17. Adopt the federal backstop for industrial emissions. emitters.

18. Ensure exemptions are applied to marked fuel in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 15 Carbon Sequestration We can use carbon sequestration to remove GHGs from the atmosphere. As we plant more trees, more carbon is absorbed by them. Trees, plants, soils, and However, trees do not store wetlands have the ability to carbon indefinitely. Some absorb carbon dioxide from of the carbon stored in On-going initiatives the atmosphere. Trees store our woodlands and forests carbon as biomass (trunks, is released back into the branches, roots and leaves). The atmosphere when trees die Government is currently: removal and storage of carbon and decompose. Forest from the atmosphere is called fires will also release the • partnering with non-profit carbon sequestration. sequestered carbon back into environmental groups to assist in the the atmosphere. These factors purchase and protection of new natural We can use carbon must be considered when areas; sequestration to remove GHGs using carbon sequestration to from the atmosphere. As we • growing about 750,000 trees and help contribute to our GHG plant more trees, more carbon shrubs each year, including over 30 emission reduction target. is absorbed by them. This will different species in a variety of sizes, offset the amount of GHGs we Estimated carbon sequestration for reforestation efforts on public and will need to reduce elsewhere associated with the following private lands; and in order to meet our GHG actions is provided in • partnering with over 425 farmers and emission reduction target. Appendix 3. landowners, through the community- developed, farmer-delivered Alternative Land Use Services Program, to achieve environmental outcomes, including carbon sequestration. 16 TAKING ACTION Commitment #3 Government will work to protect and enhance the ecosystem, while encouraging practices that increase carbon sequestration. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 19. reforest areas, targeting abandoned or marginal agricultural land to increase biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration; 20. model and report province-wide carbon sequestration in the State of the Forest Report; and 21. increase support for existing funding programs such as the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program and the Forest Enhancement Program (FEP) to expand carbon sequestration opportunities and enhance resilience. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 17 Education and Capacity Building In order for Islanders to respond effectively to the challenges associated with climate change, we will all need to increase our awareness of the issues at hand, and to build upon our strengths On-going initiatives and skill sets. New education and training opportunities need to be provided to students, professionals, community groups, and other stakeholders who are involved in the work of addressing Government is currently: climate change. All Islanders—communities, businesses, and residents alike—will be encouraged to play their part. • sponsoring workshops, seminars, and activities to improve climate change awareness; • promoting the Coastal Community Adaptation Toolkit, a product that helps communities identify engineering and land use planning solutions to adapt to climate change; and • informing coastal property owners of current and future hazards by promoting the PEI Coastal Property Guide. 18 TAKING ACTION Commitment #4 Government will help Islanders understand and take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their actions by developing education programs and integrating climate change principles into learning environments. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 22. develop initiatives to inform, educate, and motivate Islanders about the many implications of climate change; 23. incorporate climate change principles and issues into the K-12 learning environment; 24. enhance capacity amongst engineers, planners, emergency management personnel, and other practitioners by supporting learning opportunities that integrate climate change considerations into their professional development; 25. integrate climate change considerations in its policies, procedures, decisions, long term strategies and financial planning. Government will also support similar integration at the municipal level of government; 26. develop and share coastal hazard maps incorporating the latest information on future sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion; and 27. facilitate and support sharing of information, knowledge, and best practices that will enable sectors and disciplines to learn from each other. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 19 Research and Knowledge Building On-going initiatives Government is currently: Research, monitoring, and adoption of • supporting the UPEI Climate Lab’s coastal of new technologies and innovative erosion monitoring network, including the use of drone imagery and analysis; approaches all have an important role to play in advancing our efforts to reduce GHG • studying the electricity rate-structure in order to maximize benefits from renewable emissions and adapt to a changing climate. sources of electricity and accommodate future electrification of the transportation system; New technologies and Traditional Knowledge, will • monitoring and ensuring that well field innovative approaches form the foundation of our extraction rates maintain surface water flow are needed in many of efforts to address climate in streams and wetlands, and groundwater our economic sectors. In change. Although monitoring extraction practices protect groundwater agriculture, for example, networks currently exist, and surface water resources now and into barriers exist that prevent expanded monitoring the future; and widespread adoption of networks and approaches are • collaborating with the UPEI Climate Lab to solutions such as nutrient needed to further develop inventory and evaluate the effectiveness of stewardship, conservation hazard maps and conduct risk shoreline protection strategies. cropping, and livestock feeding assessments. These will help strategies. identify our most threatened locations, economic sectors, Accurate and accessible and day-to-day activities, and climate-related information show us where to act first. and knowledge, including 20 TAKING ACTION Commitment #5 Government will work with Indigenous, provincial, and regional partners to advance climate change research and knowledge in Prince Edward Island. NEW ACTIONS Government will: 28. explore opportunities to integrate Traditional Knowledge into provincial adaptation approaches; 29. support research, monitoring, and modeling of climate change through local and regional partnerships; 30. assess future climate impacts upon sectors and stakeholders to help prioritize efforts to adapt to climate change; 31. deploy new tide monitoring stations to better measure storm surge and sea level rise; and 32. consult with farmers to develop a series of farm practices that reduce GHG emissions and better sequester carbon. Farm-specific GHG reduction plans will be piloted on 20 to 30 participating farms. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 21 Currently, 24 per cent of the province’s electricity is provided by locally generated wind energy, making Prince Edward Island a world leader in this respect. 22 TAKING ACTION Measuring and Reporting Success This Action Plan outlines Meeting our Target Annual Reporting the actions Government will Our new GHG emission reduction target—30 per cent below 2005 Reporting our progress to the implement to adapt to a levels by 2030—will serve as a key indicator, measuring the success of public will ensure transparency changing climate and reduce efforts to reduce emissions. Meeting our target will require annual and provide an opportunity our GHG emissions. In the emissions to decrease to less than 1.4 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2e to change course if needed. weeks, months, and years to by 2030. On-going initiatives are expected to reduce annual It will allow government and come, implementation plans emissions to 1.6 Mt of CO2e by 2030. others to gauge where we are will be developed for each and how far we still have to action item. These plans The actions in the Climate Change Action Plan are expected to go. The annual updates will be will provide more detailed further reduce annual emissions by 0.2 Mt of CO2e by 2030 (see provided as a status report and information on each action, Appendix 3). These, along with future actions, will ensure we posted on the Climate Change including who will lead its meet the target. Action Plan webpage. implementation, when it will be completed, and how its success will be measured. Our new GHG emission reduction target—30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030—will serve as a key indicator, measuring the success of efforts to reduce emissions. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 23 Doing your part Grade your yard. Ensure your lot Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle. The is properly graded, so that water can next time you are in the market for a We are all contributing to the its impacts. In addition to drain away from your basement walls. new vehicle, buy the most fuel efficient warming of our planet. The protecting the environment, vehicle that meets your everyday good news is that we can all these changes can also help us Insulate your basement. Insulating needs. Choosing a smaller, fuel efficient be part of the solution. We can save money and lead healthier a basement can be one of the easiest vehicle can reduce your GHG emissions make small or large changes lifestyles. The following tips are ways to improve your home’s energy by up to one tonne of CO2e each year, that reduce our contribution to just some of the things we can efficiency, especially if it’s an older and save money on fuel costs. climate change and minimize all do to make a difference. home. You can save up to $1,000 each year by making this change. Cover window wells. Cover An insulated basement can prevent window wells to prevent water from moisture problems and can also keep accumulating and entering your those rooms directly above warmer. home around basement windows. We are all contributing to the warming of our planet. efficiencyPEI’s Home Insulation Transparent window well covers will The good news is that we can all be part of the solution. Rebates program can provide support still allow light to get in. for these upgrades. 24 TAKING ACTION Drive less Don’t idle Plant trees Use a rain barrel and shrubs Use public transit, bike, If you stop for more Planting trees and Place rain barrels under walk, or carpool with than 10 seconds, except shrubbery can significantly roof downspouts to a friend or neighbor. in traffic, turn off your reduce runoff during heavy capture water from rainfall. Prince Edward Island engine. For more rainfall events, especially This relieves pressure boasts extensive walking information, visit the if your property is sloped. on your community’s and biking trails. Daily Idle-Free Zone at http:// These plants can also stormwater system and municipal transit services www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/ shade your home, making can reduce the likelihood are also available in efficiency/communities- it more comfortable on of flooding. You can also Charlottetown, Cornwall, infrastructure/ hot, summer days. use rain water on flower Stratford, and Summerside. transportation/idling/4397 and vegetable gardens. Choosing a smaller vehicle can reduce your GHG emissions by up to one tonne per year. Seal air leaks. Use caulking and weather-stripping to seal air leaks Lower the thermostat. around doors, windows, baseboards, Turn down the heat when attic hatches, and outlets. This can you are away from home and at significantly reduce your heating night. For every 1°C (2°F) you lower costs, and save up to $500 every your thermostat, you save 2 per cent on year. efficiencyPEI’s Winter Warming your heating bill. A programmable or SMART program offers a caulking and weather- thermostat can do this for you automatically. stripping service free of charge to Islanders with annual household incomes of less than $50,000. For more information, contact them at efficiencyPEI@gov.pe.ca or 1-877- 734-6336 (toll free). A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 25

Appendix 1 Climate Change Action Timeline 1981 2004 2008 Atlantic Wind Test Site was established in Energy Framework and Renewable Prince Edward Island’s Alternative Land Use North Cape. Energy Strategy was released with 19 Services (ALUS) program was launched. action items, many focused on advancing the It remains the only provincially supported, incorporation of renewable energy into the province-wide ecological goods and services 1983 provincial energy mix. program in Canada. District heating system (PEI Energy Systems) was developed. Biomass and solid waste combustion helps heat over 80 2005 Prince Edward Island and Climate Change - Charlottetown Transit system was A Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of buildings in Charlottetown. launched. Over 1/2 million passengers rode Global Warming was released. the Charlottetown system in 2017. 1984 Office of Energy Efficiency opened. Now Waste Watch began as a pilot program in East Prince. Today, Islanders each divert an 2007 called efficiencyPEI, it has helped save Islanders over $9 million on their energy bills. average of 429 kg of waste from landfill each 30 MW wind farm began operation in year. East Point. The clean electricity produced at this site displaces the same amount of GHG 2009 emissions as that produced by 16,000 cars 2001 each year. Prince Edward Island co-founded the Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions Conference of New England Governors and Association (ACASA), a regional government Eastern Canadian Premiers endorsed the collaborative to address climate change Climate Change Action Plan outlining GHG impacts. emission reduction goals for the region and approaches for meeting those goals. PEI Energy Corporation opens Atlantic Canada’s first utility-scale wind farm at North Cape. 26 TAKING ACTION 2011 2016 2017 PEI Energy Accord took effect. The Accord The PEI Coastal Property Guide was Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy started plans for a new provincial cable, released to help coastal property owners Strategy 2016/2017 was released. invested in the clean power of Point Lepreau, understand current and future hazards. and ended our relationship with the coal-fired Conference of New England Governors Dalhousie power plant. Prince Edward Island signed onto the and Eastern Canadian Premiers released an Vancouver Declaration committing updated climate change action plan. 2012 provinces and territories to ambitious action Cavendish Farms switched to natural gas, on climate change. A Water Act for Prince Edward Island was achieving a 28 per cent reduction in GHG created to protect, conserve and enhance the emissions. Canada became a signatory to the Paris province’s water resources. Agreement in 2016, agreeing to the 2014 foundation of actions to combat climate change, at national and sub-national levels, Government partnered with UPEI Climate beginning in 2020. Lab to begin monitoring coastal erosion at over 100 sites across Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island established a Climate Change Secretariat. 2015 Prince Edward Island supported Canada’s position in the development of the Paris Prince Edward Island signed onto the Pan- Agreement, the most recent international Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and agreement from the United Nations Climate Change, after chairing the Adaptation Framework Convention on Climate Change. and Climate Resilience Working Group. Prince Edward Island signed onto RegionsAdapt, which facilitates collaboration between state and regional governments to reduce the risks of climate change and contribute to resilience. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 27

Appendix 2 Climate Change Policy Documents Prince Edward Island Provincial Energy Strategy Prince Edward Island: Planning for a Sustainable 2016/2017 Future - A Time For Questions (2012) www.peiec.ca/uploads/6/6/6/4/66648535/pei_energy_strategy_ www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/susfuture.pdf march2017_web.pdf PEI Energy Accord: Backgrounder (2010) 2017 Update of the New England Governors and www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/energyaccord.pdf Eastern Canadian Premiers Regional Climate Change Action Plan Prince Edward Island and Climate Change: A www.coneg.org/Data/Sites/1/media/documents/reports/2017-rccap-fi- Strategy for Reducing the Impacts of Global nal.pdf Warming (2008) www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/env_globalstr.pdf Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (2016) Prince Edward Island Energy Strategy. Securing www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/ our Future: Energy Efficiency and Conservation pan-canadian-framework.html (2008) http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/env_snergystr.pdf Vancouver Declaration (2016) https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/03/communique-canadas-first-min- Island Wind Energy Securing our Future: The 10 isters Point Plan (2008) http:/ www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/wind_energy.pdf Paris Agreement (2015) https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-agreement/what-is-the-paris-agree- ment RegionsAdapt (2015) http://www.nrg4sd.org/climate-change/regionsadapt/ 28 TAKING ACTION

Appendix 3 Estimated GHG Emission Reductions This table provides estimated annual GHG emission reductions and removals that will be achieved in 2030 by this five-year Action Plan. Future measures beyond the life of this Plan are expected to reduce GHG emissions further. Estimated Annual Emission Action Description Reductions or Removals in 2030 (tonnes CO2 eq) Energy Efficiency #9 uptake of efficiencyPEI’s home and business 140,000 energy efficiency programs Efficient #10 adoption of land use planning policies that TBD1 Communities encourage compact development and co- location of people and service centres Sustainable #11 implementation of new sustainable TBD1 Transportation transportation options Electric Vehicles #12 & #14 expanded electric vehicle charging 20,000 infrastructure and promote the adoption of electric vehicles Biomass Heating #13 installation of 20 biomass heating systems in 4,000 government buildings Greening #15 reduced energy use in provincial government 6,000 Government facilities through efficiencyPEI Carbon Pricing #16 an economic tool whereby a relative financial price TBD1 is applied to the use of fuels that contain carbon Forest Planting #17 establish new forests on abandoned and 10,000 marginal agricultural land ALUS and FEP #19 Increase support for these programs to TBD1 expand carbon sequestration opportunities TOTAL 180,000 A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 29

Appendix 4 Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switching Programs Program Description Home Energy This program incentivizes building envelope upgrades (insulation, air sealing) and provides homes with an EnerGuide rating. Pre and post energy audit is required ($99+HST to homeowners). Assessment Home Comfort Offered in conjunction with the Department of Family and Human Services (FHS) Home Renovation Program, this program provides comprehensive energy upgrades to low-income clients free of charge. All clients who are approved through FHS receive an energy audit, and energy-saving measures are implemented free of charge. Home Insulation This program provides rebates for building envelope upgrades (insulation, air sealing, windows, doors). Pre and post energy audit is required ($99+HST to homeowners). Rebates Energy Efficient This program provides rebates for energy efficient equipment upgrades (heating systems, heat pumps). No energy audit is required. Equipment Rebates Business Energy This program provides mail-in rebates for approved equipment for businesses/agriculture. Rebates are promoted in-store and by contractors, but processed at efficiencyPEI. Rebate Winter Warming Previously the Home Energy Low Income Program (HELP), this program assists clients with household income of less than $50,000, beginning with a 20 minute discussion with the homeowner about energy efficiency and programs. The clients then receive air sealing, weather-stripping, programmable thermostats, replacement of all non-LED bulbs, electric hot water tank and pipe wrap, and attic hatch insulation. Assistance is provided free of charge. On-site Energy This program makes available efficiencyPEI staff that are dedicated to specific industries/sectors. Staff work directly with clients on-site to identify opportunities and manage upgrades and projects. This program is likely to Manager be delivered as part of the Custom Energy Solutions program. Government Biomass This program targets government facilities through funding for projects to reduce energy consumption, assistance to install biomass systems (chips or pellets), and support for energy efficiency upgrades. and Efficiency Programs Instant Savings This program provides point of sale/in-store discounts on efficient products. Discounts for lighting and small appliances will be offered periodically While discounts for large appliances will be available year round. Business Energy This program complements the rebates available under Business Energy Rebates program by providing coverage for energy audits, larger equipment, and envelope upgrades. This customized and interactive program targets Solutions businesses and the agriculture sector. Custom Energy This program provides customized energy savings options for businesses and the agriculture sector, including the deployment of an On-site Energy Manager (OEM). This program focuses on industrial processes and Solutions equipment development. Community Out- This program includes ongoing outreach to the public as well as key industries/stakeholders (businesses, builders, contractors) as programming continues to expand. reach and Marketing For more information contact efficiencyPEI toll-free at 1-877-7634-6336 or efficiencypei@gov.pe.ca 30 TAKING ACTION Government is sustainably managing and protecting our water resources, now and under future climate conditions, through the new Water Act. A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 31 From small things, big things come There is no longer any doubt that our climate is changing and this presents a number of challenges for Prince Edward Island. It drives where we build our homes and businesses, what crops and shellfish we harvest, and all aspects of our economy. This is not a distant problem—one that we can avoid dealing with for years or decades to come. The good news is that there are practical solutions for Islanders. The actions from this document will help each and every one of us prepare for a changing climate and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. As an island province, we are in the unique position to see how climate change impacts us, and how the results of our actions can make a difference. As we insulate our houses, we are saving ourselves money and reducing our emissions at the same time. We have the opportunity to make significant changes, and history shows that our small population does not deter us from doing great things. This action plan is meant to benefit Islanders, it is now up to all of us to make the changes we need to. princeedwardisland.ca/climatechange Government of Prince Edward Island | www.princeedwardisland.ca | P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE Canada C1A 7N8