News release

Province, UNSM To Produce Greenhouse Gas Reduction Manual

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Province, UNSM To Produce Greenhouse Gas Reduction Manual


The province and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) are working to produce a best practices manual to help municipalities reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The best practices manual will identify ways that municipalities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their operations and regulatory frameworks in order to address climate change.

Municipalities that undertake such activities may see a number of benefits including reduced operating costs, improved service delivery, job creation and the protection of human health and the environment.

"We all take very seriously the issues around climate change," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "This manual will help us use less energy, save money and help the environment."

Although the manual targets municipalities with populations ranging from under 1,000 to 50,000, larger municipalities may also benefit from it.

"The best practices manual demonstrates our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "We encourage all municipal units, no matter how big or small, to participate in this important initiative."

"Given the potential impacts of climate change on our local communities, it is important that municipalities lead by example. This best practices manual represents the first step in the right direction," said Charles Crosby, president of the UNSM and mayor of Yarmouth.

The project steering committee, which includes representatives from the province and municipalities, has selected Lewis Engineering of Halifax to produce the best practices manual, which will be officially launched at the UNSM Annual Conference in October.

Project steering committee members are: Bill Zimmerman, Town of Wolfville (chair); Lyle Goldberg, UNSM; Mark Poirier, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations; George Foote, Nova Scotia Department of Energy; Bob Funke, Municipal Public Works Association of Nova Scotia; and Nadine MacKay, Clean Nova Scotia.