The Town of Golden has unanimously voted to take the purchase of carbon offsets off the table.
Following a presentation by Megan Lohmann, a senior energy planner from the Community Energy Association, council decided to put their $11,000 in CARIP rebates (Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program) into a dedicated fund (which already exists) for energy efficient projects.
“What you do with that reserve is up to the local government… And what I would recommend is that you consider in the upcoming months what potential projects that could be allocated to,” said Lohmann.
The replacement of the swimming pool boiler, which reduced energy consumption and cost, is an example of an energy efficient project.
Council chose to make emissions reductions targets, and has already reached those targets through several projects said David Love, manager of strategic initiatives for the Town.
There are also several other possible projects that the Town has looked into, which means they will not struggle to find appropriate ways to spend the money.
The Town had anticipated spending $9,000 of carbon offsets in 2013. It was suggested that those funds be reallocated to the same fund as the CARIP rebates, but council decided to leave that money where it is for now.
If it is not spent, or moved to a reserve fund, then it will go into the surplus.
Council also voted to affirm their commitment to the BC Climate Action Charter, in that they will be working toward carbon neutrality. Coun. Keith Hern was opposed, stating that carbon neutrality is an impossible state of being.
