1.1K 
The City of Toronto has released its 2015 Environmental Progress Report, announcing a major reduction in greenhouse emissions between 1990 and 2012, alongside a number of ongoing sustainability initiatives. According to the report, Toronto has achieved a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during the 22-year period, far exceeding the 6% target initially set out in 1990. Over the same period, City-owned buildings have reduced their emissions by 40%, while a range of sustainable and energy-saving programs have seen environmental conditions improve.
Through the Climate Change Action Plan (2007), the Sustainable Energy Strategy (2009) and the Official Plan, the City of Toronto has set out the target of an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050—compared to 1990 levels. While initiatives such as the Toronto Green Standard, the Smart Commute Program, and Live Green Toronto, have all contributed to reducing emissions, much of the progress attributes directly to the closure of Ontario's last coal-fired power plants in 2014.
The closing of Ontario's coal-fired power plants is touted as "the single largest climate change initiative in North America." The closure of coal plants—a Provincial move—is cited as the driving factor of emission reductions and air quality improvements. The report also touts the agglomerated benefits of City's various sustainability programs, which range from simple tree planting to cutting-edge technological innovation.
In terms of transportation, the implementation of the 'green fleet' taxi program, which mandates that retiring vehicles be replaced with more eco-friendly cars, is noted as a particular benefit. In addition, Toronto's Bike Plan (2001), Walking Strategy (2009), and ongoing TTC improvements, are cited as factors in improving the popularity of environmentally friendly modes of travel.
Household energy use is also declining as low-energy fixtures and appliances become more popular, and smaller, more efficient living spaces continue to stake a greater share of the market. In terms of new construction, the Green Roof By-Law (2010) and Eco-Roof Incentive (2009) are cited as a particularly important initiatives. Meanwhile, the Tower Renewal Strategy (2007) and the experimental Home Energy Loan Program (2014) are credited with helping to reduce the energy use of older homes.
Water management and waste diversion efforts—particularly in City-owned buildings—are also helping make Toronto more sustainable. In terms of waste management, the expansion of the Green Bin program to condominium and apartment towers, beginning in 2009, has helped divert significant residential waste over the last few years. Alongside a number of upgrades to water management infrastructure, the Toronto Water Meter Program (2010) has also improved conservation while increasing public awareness of water use.
In recent years, Toronto has been celebrated for its sustainability and resiliency programs, selected as the Most Sustainable City in North America by the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index in 2015 and the Grosvenor Group's Most Resilient City in the World in 2014.
Nonetheless, while the report and the accolades justifiably make for encouraging reading, it's important to approach the information with a critical eye. With the closure of coal-fired power plants contributing to much of Toronto's sustainability progress, the City's initiatives—though still highly impactful—do not appear as transformative in isolation. Attributing reductions in energy use solely to City-led programs is also potentially problematic, since the popularity of efficient fixtures (and condominium living) is predicated on a wealth of interconnected socio-economic factors.
While the report celebrates Toronto's impressive achievements in creating a more sustainable urban habitat, the introductory message from City Manager Peter Wallace notes that "additional efforts will be needed to achieve our shared vision of a green, sustainable and livable city."
*
A full copy of the report is available here via the City's official website. Want to share your thoughts about Toronto's sustainability efforts? Feel free to leave a message in the space below this page.
