NET ZERO COMMUNITY CASE STUDIES

Cambridge, Boston, and Vancouver have each developed a Net Zero commitment and plans to achieve their goals. Explore these plans to see a range of approaches to achieving Net Zero commitments.

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

Getting to Net Zero Action Plan

Commitment: Net zero for all buildings by 2030
Plan: Getting to Net Zero Action Plan

In 2015, The City of Cambridge released a 25 year plan to reach net zero across all their buildings, old and new. Community members realized that if the city wanted to reach its goal of decreasing emissions, new stricter regulations would be needed for their rapid new construction. Community engagement led to the creation of the Getting to Net Zero Action Plan. Read More

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Greenovate Boston: Smart Energy Use

Plans: Climate Action Plan, Climate Ready Boston, Greenovate City of Boston, Renew Boston, Go Boston 2030
Commitment: Reduce GHG emissions by 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, MMC member committed to achieve Net Zero/Carbon-Free status by 2050.

Boston, along with other US cities, has agreed to follow the Paris Agreement and concurrently is one of 14 participating cities in the Metro Mayors Coalition. Boston has committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Read More

Image of solar panels and wind turbines with text over it that says "Carbon-Free by 2050: In 2016, Mayor Walsh recommitted Boston to reducing the pollution that causes climate change, and announced a new goal for climate action: Boston will become carbon-free by the year 2050."

VANCOUVER, CANADA

Greenest City Action Plan

Commitments: "Greenest City" by 2020, 100% renewable energy by 2050, and reduce GHG emissions by 80% below 2007 levels before 2050.
Plan: Greenest City Action Plan

Vancouver has a goal of becoming the “Greenest City” in the world by 2020. Additionally the city aims to derive 100% of energy from renewable sources before 2050 and reducing GHG emissions by at least 80% below 2007 levels before 2050. While these goal sounds highly ambitious, Vancouver is well under way towards achieving them and has emerged as a worldwide leader in the fight against climate change. The Canadian city has created complementary strategic plans to achieve these goals which include the following: Greenest City Action Plan, Renewable City Strategy 2050, Zero Waste Vancouver, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and Neighborhood Energy Strategy. Read More

Vancouver's Greenest City Action Plan Goal Areas

FROM 101 to NET ZERO

- What is Net Zero?
- Planning Framework
- Process
- Municipal Net Zero Playbook
- Local GHG Inventories and Plans
- Net Zero Case Studies
- 2017 Clean Energy Forum

Questions?

For more information about Net Zero Planning, contact Megan Aki, Clean Energy & Climate Systems Manager.

BACK TO MAIN MENU