The City of Surrey is one of 34 finalists from around the world to be recognized for actions on climate change in this year’s Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC).
The challenge is led by the World Wildlife Fund in efforts to mobilize action and support from cities in the global transition towards a sustainable future powered by renewable energy. Surrey was selected as a finalist for its commitment to sustainability through its Sustainability Charter, which sets out a 50-year vision and plan for a more sustainable city
“Ensuring a high quality of life for residents now and in the future depends on a commitment to sustainable infrastructure and technology,” said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. “We developed the Sustainability Charter as a guide and framework for good decision-making when it comes to planning for Surrey’s future.”
“We are honoured to be recognized as a city for our commitment to sustainability,” said Coun. Bruce Hayne, chair of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee. “Although the Sustainability Charter encompasses a 50-year outlook, we are implementing many exciting, progressive technologies now. For instance, next year Surrey will be home to the only fully integrated, closed-loop waste management system in North America when the new Bio-Fuel Facility is operational.”
Additional recent achievements in Surrey’s commitment to sustainability have included the development of a neighbourhood-based District Energy system in City Centre to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term energy costs for residents, the addition of electric vehicle charging stations at public facilities, and the adoption of a Community Climate Action Strategy that will guide Surrey in reducing GHG emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Finalists from 14 participating countries were selected from among 163 entrants in this year’s EHCC. An expert jury is set to review the actions and commitments reported by these cities and ultimately identify one sustainability leader per country for the National Earth Hour Capital Awards, as well as one Global EarthHour Capital Award, to be presented on March 27 in Vancouver.
Other Canadian cities nominated are the City of North Vancouver and the City of Edmonton.
World Wildlife Fund is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment.
It is the world’s largest independent conservation organization with over 5 million supporters worldwide, working in more than 100 countries, supporting around 1,300 conservation and environmental projects.
Find out more about the City of Surrey’s sustainability plans and initiatives by visiting www.surrey.ca/sustainability
