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Colwood Council and City staff are committed to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We are working toward our goals of being carbon neutral, energy positive, water smart and prepared to adapt to a changing world.

Colwood is recognized by the joint Provincial-UBCM Green Communities Committee as a Climate Action Leader.

We want to encourage our community to work toward low carbon lifestyles and business practices in order to have the greatest impact and see faster progress in our efforts towards climate action. The City of Colwood has taken strong action through programs like Solar Colwood and is committed to working with community partners to reduce our community-wide greenhouse gas emission by 2020, while also moving towards carbon neutral municipal operations.

Small steps make a big difference

The City is replacing gas powered vehicles with electric vehicles as they come up for replacement, wherever it is practical to do so. EV chargers are available in many areas of the City, including City Hall, the Juan de Fuca Library, Colwood Corners, Royal Roads University, Royal Bay Bakery, Royal Bay Secondary School, and the Colwood Park & Ride where a 'fast-charger' provides a full charge within about 20 minutes. 

Switching to LED lighting inside City buildings as well as in streetlights throughout the City is one way we're reducing energy use and costs. Other simple things like light sensors, thermostat regulators, efficient water faucets, responsible purchasing, and a commitment to recycling and composting all contribute to energy efficiency.

These actions and others enabled Colwood City Hall to be the first office on Vancouver Island to earn Green Certification from the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification (VIGBC) program. The Colwood Fire Department and Colwood Public Works Department have both earned certification as well.