Tracking our progress to net zero

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You can now view historical data on greenhouse gas emissions in Ottawa

Feature story

Ottawa has been rapidly growing and developing over the past decade. But despite this growth, the average resident’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have fallen nearly 20 per cent since 2012. This means that even though the City has added thousands of new residents, homes and jobs, each person’s share of emissions is significantly less than it was over a decade ago.

Through the Climate Change Master Plan, the City’s long-term goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 100 per cent (net zero) by 2050.

Have you ever wondered how we track our progress towards this goal, or how we know which areas need improvement?

Each year, the City has been tracking the GHG emissions it produces. Emissions are tracked in two separate inventories: corporate and community. Corporate emissions cover sources like municipal buildings, buses and waste facilities. Community emissions look at everything from cars on the road to energy use in homes and businesses to farm activity.

These inventories tell us if we’re on track to reach our climate goals and where we need to do more. GHG emissions inventories are our main tool for tracking progress toward community and corporate GHG targets. They use the best available data at the time and help us see where energy is being used.

Now you can view data from both inventories online through the emissions inventories Open Ottawa webpage.

Progress so far for reducing corporate emissions

• In 2024, the City’s corporate emissions were approximately 26 per cent lower than in 2012, nearing the 2025 target of a 30 per cent reduction
• We are also investing in big changes, like electrifying nearly half the bus fleet by 2027 and implementing the Green Fleet Strategy to further reduce emissions from the rest of the City’s fleet
• Municipal buildings are being retrofitted to be more energy efficient
• Staff are exploring using landfill gas as a renewable energy resource

Progress so far for reducing community emissions

• Ottawa approved two Battery Energy Storage contracts and eight municipal support confirmations to advance its green energy transition and contribute to Ontario’s largest energy procurement initiative. This supports long term climate goals through accelerating green energy projects, improving grid efficiency and resilience.
• The Better Buildings Ottawa program has increased participation from private buildings. Through this program, building owners publicly disclose their energy and GHG performance and are trained to identify opportunities for energy efficiency.
• A Sewer Energy Exchange System pilot project has been underway for two new high-rise buildings near LeBreton Flats. For this project, energy from the City’s wastewater infrastructure will help produce zero carbon heating and cooling for the buildings.

Reaching the goal of net zero can’t be done by the City alone. Everyone can help us work towards reaching this goal by choosing greener options for their homes and businesses. Every step forward, big or small, brings us closer to a more resilient city for future generations.

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