What would happen if two Toronto neighbourhoods went carbon neutral?  We think you’d change everything.  Starting Now.

We at Project Neutral recognize this is an ambitious goal. Yet we feel passionately that the most important action that a neighbourhood can take is to start on that journey. With the right leadership, support and tools, we are confident great things will happen: neighbourhoods will come together and take ownership of their carbon footprint, innovative technologies and funding mechanisms will be piloted, and neighbourhood resiliency will grow in the face of one of the most daunting challenges currently facing our planet.

Our approach: develop a GHG baseline through online survey; identify neighbourhood characteristics and areas of opportunity; convene a Neighbourhood Summit to turn the ideas into an action plan; implement and track on an annual basis.

The Junction and Riverdale were selected as pilot neighbourhoods from over 20 applications.  As of August 8^th, both neighbourhoods have held Neighbourhood Kick-Offs and are now door-knocking to get online surveys filled out.

This is important.  Cities produce over 50% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and in Toronto our residential sector represents 25% of the city’s GHG emissions.  To date, sustainable design projects in the GTA and worldwide have focused on major redevelopments or new developments; established communities are underrepresented in our collective efforts to reduce environmental impact.  Furthermore, much of the residential building stock in Toronto is old and inefficient, representing potential energy savings of up to 75% (average of 22%) for households.

We won't get there overnight.  However, carbon neutrality will be possible through diligent tracking, long-term commitment, expert advice, evolving technologies, private sector partnerships and neighbourhood collaboration.  As stated, this is about the journey.  We hope you’ll join for the ride.

projectneutral.org