MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE
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7. Presentation: Decarbonization of buildings in the territory of the City of Gatineau
A context setting of the climate situation and data related to GHG emissions in Gatineau collected in 2021 were exposed. Benoit Delage left the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Quorum was maintained. Solutions for measures to allow the capacity to provide energy during times of high consumption were presented as well as a summary portrait of some cities in Quebec in relation to gas regulation. Members were briefed on the following two proposals:
- Accept only carbon-neutral energies, if possible, for new construction and the replacement of existing ones, if Hydro-Québec can provide hydro-electricity and if Gazifère can provide 100% renewable natural gas. This proposal commits distributors to position themselves and to clarify the public debate on the energy situation.
- If carbon-neutral energy is not accessible, force dual-energy systems; electric as primary with shale gas as backup. Electric provides about 70% to 75% of heating energy, so only 25% to 30% of fossil fuel remains.
It was mentioned that the notice of motion to develop a draft bylaw requiring the use of a renewable energy source for new residential constructions, filed with the municipal council by Anik Des Marais, goes in the same direction as the proposals presented. Jessy Desjardins informed the members that the majority of new buildings are equipped with heat pumps and that the financial support granted for residential favors this option. It is, moreover, a general trend in the construction field. He added that subsidies are more generous in Ontario. He suggested checking if he can obtain more precise data on this subject as well as checking if the subsidies also apply to the construction of single-family homes. Jessy Desjardins left the meeting at 5:21 p.m. Quorum was maintained. The members agreed on the importance of acting and that considering the cost-benefits, opting for the installation of a heat pump is essential to consider. It was added that this measure could serve as a pilot project in a mechanism for prioritizing actions that aims to decrease GHGs and that this action is easily measurable. It was added that a funding request is not yet confirmed for the conversion of oil furnaces in the City's municipal infrastructure as planned in the Climate Plan. The members asked if it is possible to have a summary portrait of the number of furnaces that have been replaced and those to come as well as the actions that are planned. A follow-up will be done on this subject. The Service de la transition écologique will take into account the information elements provided in the presentation to inform the municipal council in response to the notice of motion filed by Anik Des Marais.
Decision: The Commission on the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change supports the City's approach which aims to analyze the possibility of adopting a bylaw to prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new residential buildings. Furthermore, the Commission proposes to add existing buildings to this approach.
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5.1 Energy Profile of the Outaouais Region produced by CREDDO
Members were briefed on the summary results of the energy profile of the Outaouais region produced by CREDDO. The objective of this profile is to outline the current energy situation in the Outaouais region and to assess its evolution compared to the same exercise conducted in 2013. In summary, it aims, for the year 2030, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 37.5% compared to the 1990 emission level. The ultimate goal of the Plan is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Members were informed of some data related to renewable and non-renewable energies as well as the potential for substituting fossil fuels. Jean Lessard joined the meeting at 3:31 p.m. Discussions took place regarding the installation of charging stations and the economic impacts this may generate, as well as the viability of this action. It was added that to succeed in reducing GHG emissions, a collective effort is necessary. It was also suggested that the Action Plan referred to in the Energy Profile be developed taking into account the initiatives led by other actors such as the Ville de Gatineau. The presentation will be forwarded to the members of the Commission.
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6. Presentation: Status report on greenhouse gas emission inventories by the Chaire en éco-conseil of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
The objective of the presentation is to share the mandate granted to the Chaire éco-conseil by the Ville de Gatineau as well as to provide a status report on GHG emission inventories. This process aims to establish a user-friendly and robust inventory data entry system to allow the City to maintain a 100% digital registry. Members were briefed on the approach and methodology used, which are divided into three components:
Component 1: Realization of the GHG emission inventory
- Revision and validation of methodologies and data sources applied to existing inventories (2009 and 2015);
- Realization of the 2019-2020-2021 inventories based on the criteria applied for existing inventories (2009 and 2015).
Component 2: Realization of the analysis of actions and measures of the Ville de Gatineau Climate Plan
- Carry out a critical analysis of the actions and measures of the Climate Plan;
- Develop a mechanism for prioritizing the actions and measures of the Climate Plan.
Component 3: Future actions
- Improvement of the methodologies and data sources applied to GHG inventories;
- Support in the validation and establishment of performance indicators and monitoring of the actions and measures of the Climate Plan (in continuity with component 2);
- Establishment and implementation of a mechanism for prioritizing the actions and measures of the Climate Plan.
Preliminary results regarding greenhouse gas emissions were presented. The full report will be available shortly and transmitted to members. Clarification questions regarding the process and the data presented were asked. Several members questioned the means planned by the Service de la transition écologique and the next steps to come in identifying action priorities. It was also asked if the findings allow for the identification of actions that would have rapid impacts on GHGs. It was answered that presentations are planned during future meetings so that the Commission can contribute to the prioritization of the Climate Plan actions, as inscribed in its Work Plan. It was added that the analysis of priority actions and measures, carried out by the Chaire en éco-conseil team, is already established based on the Ville de Gatineau Climate Plan and will be taken into consideration in the upcoming discussion. The members agreed that this data tool will allow members of the municipal council to make data-supported decisions and will likely facilitate their task.
Break from 4:36 p.m. to 4:49 p.m.
It was mentioned that the next steps aim to develop a mechanism for prioritizing the actions and measures of the Climate Plan. A prioritization exercise is planned for spring 2024 and the whole will be discussed with the members of the Commission. It is noted that the inventory data indicates that GHG emissions increased by 1% between 2015 and 2021.