Vancouver's Greenest City Initiative

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Vancouver's Greenest City Initiative

We are the City of Vancouver's environmental sustainability page. We invite you to join the conversation from February through April 2020.

In response to recent warnings from United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Vancouver is currently looking at ways to accelerate Vancouver’s climate work fivefold. Staff are working with partners, academia, businesses, environmental non-government organizations, youth, residents, to develop the Climate Emergency action plan and will bring it back to Council in October of 2020. Jo

in us to keep up to date on the ways you will be able to participate. Vancouver.ca/climateemergency

If you’re looking for Vancouver’s broader environmental work, check out Vancouver.ca/greenestcity

06/11/2026

🏆 Kudos to the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) for accelerating carbon pollution reductions in buildings across BC!

ZEIC is helping advance cleaner, more energy efficient buildings that are resilient to climate change impacts through programs like the:

⚡BC Retrofit Accelerator, kick-starting climate and energy upgrades in large buildings

⚡Strata Energy Advisor, supporting strata-owned condos reduce carbon pollution during retrofits

⚡Building to Electrification Coalition, connecting industry actors to solve barriers to electrifying buildings through case studies and resources.

And much more!

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/43ZJ9nn

Photo courtesy of the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) and Moreland Kennedy House / Brightside Community Homes Foundation.

06/03/2026

Clean air matters - for our health, our communities, and our environment.

This Clean Air Day, we’re joining to raise awareness about air quality and how we can all take small steps to protect it.

In Vancouver, wildfire smoke is a major source of poor air quality and can affect your health, even from fires far away.

Want to learn more and be prepared?

👉 Explore the City’s Hazard & Risk Explorer (Wildfire Smoke section): https://bit.ly/3QaVrGb

You’ll find:

• What poor air quality means for your health
• An air quality monitoring map
• Simple ways to prepare for smoky days
• What the City is doing to reduce risks

Wildfire smoke events are becoming more frequent and can impact everyone, especially children, seniors, and people with existing health conditions. By staying informed and taking small steps, we can help protect ourselves and each other.

05/29/2026

As part of the Higher Buildings Policy Review, the City of Vancouver is launching an international ideas competition to explore how taller buildings could contribute to a vibrant, livable downtown.

Join us for the launch event to hear from three local competition jurors as they reflect on the city's evolving skyline and considerations for building higher in downtown Vancouver.

🗓️June 1, 2026

🕓 7–8:30 pm (Doors at 6 pm)

📍Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street

Tickets are free but space is limited so get yours early at https://bit.ly/3PfUOLj

There's still time to take the Higher Buildings Policy Review survey! Share your thoughts by May 31 at https://bit.ly/41NnttL

05/21/2026

📚 Want to boost your knowledge of climate solutions?

Explore ’s free, self-paced learning tool about climate science and solutions across the region with modules on:

⚡Renewable energy
🏡 Reducing carbon pollution in buildings
💧Protecting natural areas and managing stormwater
🚌 Sustainable transit in communities

🔗 Find the resource here: https://bit.ly/3OfdLgE
👉 Share this post with your climate curious friends and educators!

05/14/2026

💭 Have you been considering a heat pump? A recent nation-wide study reports that 91% of Canadians surveyed would recommend one!

Read what Canadian heat pump owners are saying about the energy bill savings, cooling benefits and more in a new report from and Summerhill.

🔗For rebates offered by CleanBC, visit: https://bit.ly/4tjfGjf
🔗Read the full report: https://cleanenergycanada.org/report/heat-pump-owners-have-their-say/

05/11/2026

We’re excited to announce that the Community Climate Action Grant will support six projects from seven organizations in 2026! The Community Climate Action Grant offers grants for community-driven initiatives that help advance the City’s climate goals.

🔗 Learn more about each project here: https://bit.ly/4g6hCpO

05/08/2026

The 2026 Women4Climate (W4C) program has officially kicked off with a powerhouse of participants leading climate solutions.

The City of Vancouver is a proud supporter of W4C, an initiative of Zero Emission Innovation Centre, that provides mentorship, climate leadership training, and enduring peer networks to address today’s climate challenges and opportunities while cultivating a new generation of leaders.

From building electrification to cleaner hockey rinks, green infrastructure, and resilient housing, the mentees are building the skills and connections to bring their climate initiatives to life to support prosperous, low-carbon communities in Metro Vancouver.

Meet the cohort and explore their climate action initiatives: https://www.zeic.ca/programs/women-for-climate/

05/04/2026

BC Youth Week is here! 🎉 Meet 4 youth‑powered orgs shaping climate action in Vancouver 🌎💚

1️⃣ CityHive Empowering young people to shape future‑ready, sustainable cities. Why join: Leadership programs, innovation labs, real policy impact 🏙️✨
2️⃣ Be The Change Earth Alliance Building climate literacy + systems thinking through youth‑powered education. Why join: Workshops, school programs, volunteer pathways 📚🌍
3️⃣ Environmental Youth Alliance Connecting youth with hands‑on stewardship + urban ecology. Why join: Outdoor learning, Indigenous‑led programs, ecosystem restoration 🌿🪶
4️⃣ Youth Climate Corps Mobilizing youth for climate resilience + community preparedness. Why join: Paid climate work, training, community‑level solutions 💼⚡

👉 Check out each organization to learn more + get involved!

04/29/2026

🌟 Volunteer spotlight: Meet one of the incredible volunteers with the Zero Waste Ambassador Program making a real difference in her building!

Jennifer has transformed her 245-unit condo tower’s recycling room into a welcoming and organized space, making it easy for residents to recycle right.

This is what City of Vancouver’s Zero Waste Ambassador Program is all about: Empowering residents in apartments and condos to lead improvements, share knowledge and build a culture of zero waste in their communities.

💚 Want to get involved?
Learn more and register for the Zero Waste Ambassador training workshop on May 9th: https://bit.ly/44w7sLj

✅ No experience needed
✅ Free training & resources
✅ Flexible volunteer commitment

04/28/2026

✅ Approved: Gastown Public Spaces Plan

Council has approved the Gastown Public Spaces Plan – with directions supporting climate action in one of Vancouver’s most historic areas.

The plan includes:
🚶‍♀️ More room for walking and rolling to support low-carbon travel
🚲 Stronger cycling connections to cut transportation emissions
🌳 Added trees and planting for cooling and biodiversity
💧 Green infrastructure to manage rain and boost climate resilience

This plan also supports a people first Gastown by working with local Nations and advancing reconciliation.

🔗 Read the full Council report here: https://bit.ly/4twkFxb

Address

453 W 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
V5Y1V4

Website

http://empli.fi/greenestcity

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