York Region reduces corporate greenhouse gas emissions, achieves 11% below target in 2023

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York’s total corporate greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 were 11% below target, advancing its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Given the increase in demand for Regional programs and services we are seeing year after year, it is ever more critical we stay committed to achieving our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “With ongoing electrification and sustainable initiatives to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we're taking actions now for a more sustainable future.” 

York Region’s 2023 Corporate Energy Update also reports:

• Transit bus emissions increased to meet a 36% increase in ridership demand in 2023
• Non-transit fleet vehicle emissions were lower as the Region implements its Corporate Fleet Electrification Plan
• Natural gas emissions from corporate buildings and facilities decreased in 2023 due to a warmer winter than previous years

“The Region’s primary focus on “conservation first” and early investments in electrification show emission reductions for fleet vehicles and buildings,” said City of Richmond Hill Mayor, David West, Chair of Public Works - Environmental Services. “Notable initiatives were able to save both on costs and emissions, contributing to greater climate change mitigation.”

Most corporate emissions are from fossil fuel consumption (gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas). Innovations to electrify vehicles and buildings are one of the fastest growing areas of climate change mitigation technology and are proving to be a dominant path toward net-zero emissions.

York Region’s framework of conservation, higher efficiency, renewable alternatives and low emission energy sources will help York Region achieve the target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Emissions targets are set in the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan and supports climate change mitigation priorities in the 2022 Climate Change Action Plan. Learn more at york.ca/Energy

Key facts

• One-third of energy consumed by the Region is electricity and is mostly generated by emissions-free sources (nuclear, water, solar, wind and biomass)
• Implementation of fleet decarbonization strategies is accelerating by purchasing battery electric vehicles, including 75 transit buses, 10 light-duty pickup trucks and five cargo vans

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contact

Melissa Pinto, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York 
437-997-6821
@email