RESEARCH REPORT

APRIL 2014

Buildings, Bicycles and ’Burbs

An Overview of Urban Energy Management in Seven Western Canadian Cities CANADA WEST FOUNDATION Our 2014 Centre for Natural Resources Policy Patrons The Canada West Foundation is the only think tank with an exclusive focus on the policies that shape the West’s The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation quality of life. Through our evidence-based research and ATB Corporate Financial Services commentary, we provide the objective, practical solutions that governments need. For more than 40 years, we have Coril Holdings Ltd./Ron Mannix been a passionate advocate for western Canada. Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan The Foundation extends its thanks to a number of individuals who participated in meetings and interviews Enbridge Inc. as part of the research. We would like to acknowledge Government of Alberta the significant contributions of intern Pawel Mirski. Richard Laszlo, Mike Cleland, Len Coad, Robert Roach Imperial Oil Limited and Dylan Jones provided very thoughtful insights along Max Bell Foundation the way. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the Foundation. The opinions expressed in this document Nexen, a CNOOC Limited company do not necessarily reflect those of the Canada West James Richardson & Sons/ Foundation’s Board of Directors, donors or advisors. More / information on the Canada West Foundation can be found Tundra Oil & Gas Partnership at www.cwf.ca. Jim Richardson Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy and © Canada West Foundation 2014 Enterprise Saskatchewan ISBN 978-1-927488-10-2

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II CANADA WEST FOUNDATION URBAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROJECT APRIL 2014 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Energy provides services essential to the way we live. It plays a key role in our residences, workplaces, recreation and mobility. However, there are smart ways to use energy, and less smart ways. Energy management is about finding and implementing smarter energy options – whether by not using energy, using energy more efficiently, combining uses to reduce waste, paying attention to proximity between work and home, or some other means.

This report examines what western Canada’s seven Municipal governments have very limited control over largest cities are doing to better manage energy most of the energy consumed within their borders. within their boundaries. It is the result of many hours Cities must work within this limitation by using their of analyzing public documents, interviewing experts influence, educating residents about the benefits of and searching for common themes. This state of play energy management and leading by example. report will be followed by additional interviews and analysis that will lead to recommendations for One way cities engage in urban energy management further progress. is by taking steps to change how the operations they directly control use energy. Cities can, for example, All seven citie