Greenhouse Reduction Pathway Feasibility Study

In 2019, Woolwich Council declared a climate emergency along with over 400 other Canadian municipalities. The Township of Woolwich also endorsed corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In providing direction for achieving these targets, on June 1^st, 2021, Council endorsed the Transform Waterloo Region strategy as the Township’s climate change mitigation strategy, which includes 78 required actions for implementation.

In July of 2022, Council further supported the completion of a facilities feasibility study to best determine actions for achieving these targets. The study will be funded by the Climate Action/Green Infrastructure Reserve Fund, and expectantly, grant funding through the Federation of Canadian municipalities (FCM).

The FCM Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative is a grant funding source aimed to assist municipalities in optimizing the energy performance and GHG reductions at municipally owned community buildings. The fund is a $167 million initiative that was made possible through a federal government contribution of $950 million in its 2019 budget. In order to apply for available FCM grant funding for capital project implementation, a GHG reduction feasibility study must first be completed.

The intent of the feasibility study is to integrate energy and GHG reductions into management of municipal facilities. Studies support near-term and long-term capital projects while mapping out a course to extend asset life and reduce cost of ownership.

Facility feasibility studies include:

• Analysis of building energy and greenhouse gas emissions performance assessment
• Modelling of GHG reduction measures utilizing required software for grant program
• Review of measures, life cycle costs, implementation timelines and target greenhouse gas emissions
• Capital budget pricing for refrigeration and mechanical systems

Following successful completion of the feasibility study, the Township is able to utilize applicable data to support future projects that support a reduction in GHG’s, and is also able to apply for further FCM capital project funding.

The feasibility study will be completed by Cimco Refrigeration as well as an environmental focused sub-consultant, Enviro-Stewards. The feasibility study will focus on community and recreation facilities. As such, and in order to include our largest GHG contributing buildings, the Township has included the Woolwich Memorial Centre, St. Jacob’s Arena, Breslau Community Centre, the Administration Building and St. Jacob’s Fire Station.