Vancouver city council sets goal to be fossil-fuel free in 35 years

VANCOUVER – Vancouver has become one of the world’s first cities to adopt a plan to shift to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050.

The strategy approved by council on Wednesday will cut energy use while increasing the supply and use of renewable energy.

Mayor Gregor Robertson says with a pragmatic approach on buildings and transportation, the city can eliminate its reliance of fossil fuels and make Vancouver a cleaner, healthier and more resilient city.

The plan includes adopting zero-emission standards for new city buildings and transitioning its vehicle fleet to renewable sources of energy.

In 2014, 31 per cent of Vancouver’s energy came from renewable sources — mostly electricity — 45 per cent came from natural gas and 24 per cent from gasoline for vehicle use.

The strategy also sets a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent below levels established in 2007.