reimagining saskatoon: towards sustainability 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Reimagining Saskatoon
Towards Sustainability 2015
“overcoming our carbon dependence should be seen as an opportunity to rethink for the better an institution largely shaped by and for fossil fuel: our cities”
http://thrivingcities.com/blog/confronting-climate-change-rethinking-city
Here are a few of the initiatives undertaken by Saskatoon residents and organizations in 2015 to help make Saskatoon a more sustainable city.
Energy
Saskatchewan Environmental Society Solar Power Cooperative is launched
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/04/ses-solar-co-operative.html
First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan (FNPA) established to assist First Nations communities to identify and address their energy needs and help validate projects before they are sent to SaskPower for consideration
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/10/first-nations-power-authority-of.html
With 71 buildings. Saskatoon Health Region is always on the lookout for ways to reduce utility costs and save energy.
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/12/energy-savings-in-saskatoon-health.html
An energy performance contract installed electronic occupancy controls, energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and replacement steam traps.
Construction
Saskatoon’s First Passive House
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/12/temperance-street-passive-house.html
More builders, such as Vereco Homes, are designing energy-efficient houses.
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/10/vereco-homes-affordable-and-energy.html
Green RoofsThe Garden PatchSaskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre
Julie & Joshhttp://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/06/saskatoons-first-residential-green-roof.html
Transportation
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/03/saskatoon-carshare-co-operative.html
Saskatoon CareShare Co-operative launches a crowdfunding campaign to expand their fleet and become Canada’s first solar-powered carshare
Encouraging alternate forms of transportation:100 free bus passes for teachers attending the Saskatoon Teachers’ Association Convention
Using real-time data collected over the past few months, the City of Saskatoon is launching new garbage and recycling collection routes that have been optimized to make trips as short and direct as possible, reducing fuel consumption and reducing the City’s carbon footprint.
https://www.saskatoon.ca/news-releases/new-2016-collection-days-garbage-and-recycling-carts
Food
The Saskatoon Seed Lending Library provides free and easy access to viable, native, open-pollinated seeds.
Two Green Wheels, a bicycle-operated compost pick up service based out of Saskatoon.
27 University of Saskatchewan food vendors receive Green Spaces certification (e.g. sending kitchen scraps to the organics bin, eliminating polystyrene takeout containers, providing discounts to customers who bring reusable containers or mugs).
The University’s goal is to divert 1,500 tonnes of organics annually.
Nature
The Northeast Swale: Wild, Wonderful, One of a Kind
“Sit down at the keyboard, pick up a pen or a phone, and let your City Councillor and your MLA know that the protection of the Northeast Swale is a priority for you!”
http://www.ecofriendlysask.ca/2015/11/the-northeast-swale-saskatoons.html
SOS Elms Coalition
“The slow and necessary steps of eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels will certainly be difficult, yet we should see it as an occasion to remake our places that are humane, convivial, and sustainable.”
http://thrivingcities.com/blog/confronting-climate-change-rethinking-city
EcoFriendly Sask informs, encourages, and supports Saskatchewan environmental initiatives:
Online publication Small grants to support local
environmental initiatives
http://www.facebook.com/ecofriendlysk
http://twitter.com/EcoFriendlySask
http://www.pinterest.com/ecofriendlysask/