Esquimalt Council has declared a climate emergency with a target of 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets will require a transformation in the way the Township manages its waste. Accordingly the Council is exploring the feasibility of implementing Integrated Resource Management (IRM) through the use of a gasification plant which would turn 91% of the total waste stream into a renewable gas as a heat source for buildings. The balance of the waste stream is in reusable paper, bottles and plastics. IRM means zero waste by eliminating all waste streams from the Township being dumped at the Hartland landfill.
The council is seeking public input to determine if there is widespread support for this project. It is essential that the Esquimalt environmental groups support this initiative.
There are several ways you can participate:
- Read the news release
- Read the project overview
- View the video the informative video
- Register today for a live info session on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd
It is essential to complete the following survey by October 4 if you want to have a say.
This is truly a creative solution, the type of which will be required if we are to become carbon neutral in the future. This plant would be one of the first of its kind in North America; it has potential to provide new sources of revenues for Esquimalt and the residual char from the gasifier can absorb large amounts of atmospheric carbon.
The Council needs your support to implement this innovative solution. Please register for the webinar on September 22 and complete the survey.
IRM is the most important opportunity for Esquimalt to become a leading example of carbon neutrality in the Greater Victoria Region and show the rest of Canada what is possible.