Pacific Mountain Climate Action Justice Network launched our PMR Climate Audit process in April 2024. The impetus for this work was the proposal: Get Rid of Greenhouse Gases, approved at the PMR Annual General Meeting in 2023, which was put forward by the PMR Youth Council for decision and action.
Working with the Green Action Centre, the PMR Climate Audit includes an in-depth investigation and analysis of the
operations of the main office of the Pacific Mountain Region, and the transportation/commuting analysis for remote regional staff. The objectives are to get a baseline assessment on:
- Building efficiency status and energy assessment of the 6000 Sussex Ave. regional office
- Transportation and commuting data and emissions for PMR staff
- Water usage assessment
- Waste management systems assessment
This baseline assessment will offer insight to identify opportunities for future emissions reductions, as well as future stages of PMR Climate Audits targeting travel, events, or other areas of potential emissions reductions.
The data will be collected through online staff surveys and information on building operations to estimate the PMR head office emissions. Two staff surveys will be conducted to help assess the Transportation and Waste areas of impact.
- Staff Commuter Survey – to learn how staff get to work.
- Staff Waste Survey – to learn how staff perceive and understand the PMR office’s waste management.
- Data collection using utility bills (BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Water utility) and other relevant building, water, and waste data related to building operations.
Reports will be shared as they become available, and if you are interested in beginning your own climate audit as a Community of Faith, please find below some helpful resources and places to help start the process.
- Faithful Footprints is part of UCC’s plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030, starting with a focus on its
buildings.
- Faithful Footprints offers DIY tools to support climate audits DIY Faith building Energy Guide and the ENERGY STAR® Action Workbook for Congregations
- Natural Resources Canada also offers the DIY tool Energy Savings Toolbox – an Energy audit Manual and Tool
- Energy Star Portfolio Manager is an energy benchmarking tool for buildings: energy, water and wastewater
- The CleanBC Better Building incentive search tool is a great resource that not only helps you find incentives for green retrofits, but for energy efficiency guidance
- BC Hydro Strategic Energy Management program – potential funding to hire an energy manager
- Potential free walkthrough audits are offered through FortisBC, BC Hydro
- Faith and the Common Good offers Green Building Audits, in person and remote