Lanark County is one of six organizations, businesses and individuals receiving a 2021 Sustainable Kingston Award for hard work in mitigating the climate emergency and fostering a culture of sustainability in the community.
The county has received the Sustainable Kingston Innovation Award for developing a bold climate action plan in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Partners for Climate Protection Program, and for helping local businesses reduce their carbon footprint by funding sustainably.eco memberships for eight small businesses.
Geoff Hendry, Manager of Communications and Business Development for Sustainable Kingston, expressed congratulations. “This honour is awarded to the member of Sustainable Kingston’s sustainably.eco program who has undertaken uniquely disruptive and creative sustainability project(s), thereby offering fresh solutions to complex problems. Lanark County’s bold climate action plan and collaborative approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is to be commended. We congratulate Lanark County Council and staff for their leadership and innovative approach to addressing the climate emergency.”
Lanark County joined the sustainably.eco Strategic Associate Program as part of its climate action strategies. Sustainably.eco aims to connect conscious businesses and people committed to sustainability by promoting sustainable actions and products through their platform. Businesses can apply for and be awarded for 12 badges upon fulfilling the requirements.
Climate Environmental Coordinator Michelle Vala explained the county has completed an emissions inventory for its corporate operations and the community. Other initiatives include setting greenhouse gas emissions targets, the formation of the Climate Action Committee, a voluntary plastic bag and straw ban and encouragement to use sustainable products, work to align with the federal single-use plastic ban, the 1 Million Trees program that aims to see 1 million trees planted over the next 10 years, and the involvement with the sustainably.eco program.
“There’s lots more to come as we work on the Climate Action Plan and hopefully more innovative ideas coming from Lanark County,” Vala said.
Warden John Fenik (Perth Mayor) congratulated staff and council on the award. “This demonstrates a forward-thinking council and progressive staff that is collaborating with our community to make real, sustainable change. I look forward to continuing the work outlined in the Climate Action Plan.”
Other reward recipients include Queen’s University, J.E. Agnew Food Services, Earthub Kingston and students Maeve Cotton and Danica Hassen from Bayridge Secondary School.For more information about the award see https://www.sustainablekingston.com/nominations. Follow the Lanark County Climate Action Plan Information Page on Facebook for updates on the Climate Action Plan and climate-based activities.
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