State and provincial governments to lead by example : survey of public sector climate change activities

A Climate Change Action Plan was adopted in August 2001 at the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP). The action plan recognizes the need for government to lead by example in areas of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. This survey is the first attempt at gathering information on climate change activities in the public sector across 11 jurisdictions of the Northeast. It reports on 45 activities that have been initiated by government departments to either reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or to address the issue of adaptation and carbon sinks. The main objective to reduce energy consumption in buildings is being met through improved management systems, use of new technologies such as alternative fuels and low-emissions vehicles, and financial incentives. This report presents an outline for reducing GHG emissions from government activities by 25 per cent by 2012. The survey identifies areas where more work is needed in measuring impacts and progress. refs., tabs., figs