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Going green means embracing a way of life that helps preserve the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling items. Council of the Township of Spallumcheen is committed to creating a healthy work environment and doing our part to initiate improvements on everyday tasks that make our workplace a little more green. Our goal is to continue to reduce our carbon footprint and increase our green knowledge. Below are a few initiatives that Council has implemented to promote green culture.
LED (or light emitting diode) lighting is one of today’s most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly lighting technologies. The Public Works shop lights and several offices at the Municipal hall have been upgraded to LED lighting. Streetlights in the Township have been upgraded to LED.
LED lights can use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs. This represents a positive environmental impact and saves the municipality money.
Line painting is important for public safety. In order to make sure we meet both the safety and environmental needs of the community the Township has switched to latex-based line paint on all roads. Latex offers a lower environmental impact than oil paint because of its lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content and the fact that clean-up is done with water.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a chemical compound known for neutralizing nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions that would otherwise be harmful to the environment and people. Four (4) of the Township’s Public Works municipal tandem trucks are equipped with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems.
"Shop Local”, “Support Local” and “Explore Next Door” are all phrases you have heard to encourage people to support small businesses in their communities. But these initiatives do more than just support those businesses, they also support the environment by reducing the distance products need to travel.
At the Township our Purchasing Policy has been implemented which encourages local purchasing.
Any food purchased for meetings or events is sourced locally whenever possible.
In order to reduce paper use:
The Township of Spallumcheen is rehabilitating Deep Creek within the Township boundaries to restore its natural flow and hydrological functions.
This multi-year phased project will help to reduce property damage and agricultural losses due to flooding, and work towards improving water quality within Deep Creek. Works began in 2021 and are planned to proceed until 2024.
Similar plans have been drafted for Fortune Creek and permits have been submitted to the Province for review and approval. Should approvals be granted, work would commence in approved fish windows.
The Township participates in the Recycle BC curbside recycling program for our residents. This helps keep many items out of our landfills everyday.
In our offices, Township staff use refillable water jugs in the staff rooms to avoid single use plastics and recycle bins are strategically located throughout the office at each desk.
Township municipal office, in addition to other measures listed above, has also installed insulating window film, a programable thermostat and upgraded windows to ensure the building runs more energy efficiently.
More information on Climate Change Initiatives being undertaken by the Province of BC can be found here:
Climate Change - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Reaching net-zero emissions and adapting to a changing climate will require a whole-of-society approach. The Local Government Climate Action Program (the Program or LGCAP) aims to catalyze the efficient flow of financial resources, data and knowledge between Modern Treaty Nations, local governments, and the Provincial Government to allow for cost effective, impactful, locally implemented climate action.
Township of Spallumcheen 2024 Local Government Climate Action Program Submission