Calgary's air has 'em green with envy
Bill Kaufmann
Calgary Sun
August 11, 2004
Calgary's nationally-recognized efforts
in reducing greenhouse gases proves the fiscal benefits of
meeting the Kyoto protocol's targets, said a local
environmentalist. The city was recognized yesterday by the
Canadian Federation of Municipalities for achievements in
lowering global warming emissions, joining Ottawa as the
only other Canadian city to reach a level of four out of
five.
"Calgarians have said that
preserving quality of life is a priority and the city is
showing national leadership through our actions on
sustainable buildings, green power and green fleets,"
said Mayor Dave Bronconnier.
"By reducing harmful emissions and
improving the air we breathe, we are building a
sustainable future for generations to come."
The Sierra Club's Brian Pincott agreed,
saying the city is debunking the belief that meeting
Kyoto's goals is a costly exercise.
"You know why they're doing it?
It's because they're saving money, it's
cost-effective," said Pincott. "It shows we can
reduce our greenhouse gases substantially and save
money."
The city has said it hopes to make major
dollar savings by using energy-efficient street lamps and
traffic-signal lights.
It's hoped the currently expensive Ride
the Wind program, using wind energy to power all the
city's C-trains, will save money in the future.
The city's Partners for Climate
Protection program honoured yesterday "has very
quietly done a lot ... I'm very proud of what they've
done," said Pincott.
Calgary's pristine landscape and
relatively low cost of living earned yet another accolade
yesterday, after an internationally-recognized research
firm ranked it as the third-best place to live in the
world.
Research Worldwide, an online commercial
real estate site, picked Ottawa as the preferred city of
expatriates around the world.
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Media Corporation / Netgraphe inc. All rights reserved.
