The Durham Climate Dashboard serves to monitor the Durham Community Energy Plan's progress in achieving climate targets. The plan aims to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy involving efficient energy use, sustainable buildings, renewable energy adoption, and electrification. This site tracks these efforts and facilitates ongoing evaluation of progress towards achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions.
In response to Regional Council’s climate emergency declaration, in 2021 the Region adopted new community GHG targets, which are: 10% below by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2050 from 2019 levels to align with the federal government’s 2050 net zero commitment.
Building emissions contribute towards 31% of Durham’s total community-wide emissions. This includes residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Transitioning to high performance standards in new and existing buildings will be a critical part of Durham's low-carbon pathway.
Durham's low carbon pathway involves fuel switching from fossil fuel sources of energy such as natural gas and gasoline to zero emissions electricity. This is why it is critical to ensure access to carbon-free electricity to achieve Durham's emission reduction targets.
On-road transportation emissions totaled 37% of the Region’s total, which is mainly attributed to gasoline powered cars and trucks. Achieving Durham's emission targets requires shifting to more sustainable modes of transportation by supporting walking, cycling, public transit, and adoption of EVs.
This visualization of Durham's 2022 greenhouse gas emissions focuses on Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are those released within the geographical boundary of Durham Region, while Scope 2 emissions are those released in other regions to supply grid electricity used in Durham Region.