James

Work with businesses, labour, communities and the federal government
to develop a strong Kyoto plan with measurable goals and targets.
In particular:
• Work with the federal government to implement improved
automobile fuel efficiency standards and cut pollution
• Work with communities to improve rail and transit options
and to reduce sprawl
• Keep at the forefront of energy efficiency standards and
renewable energy production
Global warming is a serious challenge for British Columbians and our economy. Whether
it’s the mountain pine beetle epidemic, the ongoing threat of severe forest fires, or worryingly
low snow-pack levels, rising temperatures worldwide are having a profound effect on BC
communities. Working together, British Columbians can do our part to further Canada’s
effort to reduce global warming.
But the Campbell Liberals have shown a
complete lack of leadership on global warming.
Their Kyoto plan is weak and ineffective, with
many of their policies actually increasing
greenhouse gas emissions. For example, they have
shown no commitment to effective land-use
planning efforts to reduce urban sprawl and the
pollution caused by more traffic.
BC’s New Democrats will bring all parts of BC
society together, to ensure we take proactive
steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our
province. Working with the federal government,
she will encourage industry’s ‘best practices’ in
energy efficiency – which means less pollution
from vehicles, buildings, and machinery.
And, because so much of BC’s greenhouse gas
emissions come from transportation, she will
improve sustainable urban transportation and
support regional growth strategies by:
• enhancing funding for BC Transit
• accelerating provincial support for rapid transit
to the north-east sector of the Lower Mainland
• restoring a multi-year, cost-sharing program
for cycling infrastructure
• promoting “smart growth” of our urban
communities to reduce traffic-generating
urban sprawl.
Greening of U.B.C. an
environmental success
The University of B.C. is hoping to set an
example for school campuses around the
world by meeting its targets under the Kyoto
Protocol by next year.
Since it started working to create an
environmentally sustainable campus in 1997,
UBC has cut carbon dioxide emissions by
seven per cent... It cut energy use by 20 per
cent… even as enrollment went up 19 per cent…
Since 2000, buildings have been designed or
renovated to include natural ventilation,
water recycling and efficient lighting. New
buildings are built with recycled materials or
solar panels…
While the program has cost money in the
short term, the university will come out ahead.
“We estimate [the energy savings are] at least
a 10-year payback,” said Ruth Abramson of
the campus sustainability office.
“The annual savings will be close to $2.5
million, depending on how cold winters are.”
“We’re actually creating a culture of
sustainability,” Abramson said.
Vancouver Courier
February 21, 2005
BCNDP Platform 2005 49