As part of the SLRD Strategic Plan (2019-2022) the SLRD Board has set the objective to develop a Community Energy and Climate Action Plan in line with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change science-based targets and including water conservation and food sustainability as guiding principles. The SLRD Regional Growth Strategy also includes a new Goal 11: Take Action on Climate Change
Sustainability and sustainable development are concepts that the SLRD aims to integrate into all planning, policies, decisions and activities. A useful definition of sustainability is "living and managing activities in a way that balances social, economic, environmental and institutional considerations to meet our needs and those of future generations." Recognizing the need for an overarching sustainability plan and implementation strategy, the SLRD embarked on the process to develop an Integrated Sustainability Plan (ISP) in 2012.
The Riparian Area Regulation (RAR), which was enabled by the Fish Protection Act, was established by the Province in 2005. It requires local governments to protect riparian areas through the development approval process using recommendations contained in Assessment Reports prepared by Qualified Environmental Professionals (QEPs).
The SLRD has explored our regional assets and opportunities for sustainable energy through the following energy and emissions studies: