Slide 1

Benchmarking Sustainability

Council Presentation
November 7, 2005


Slide 2

Background
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Resolution passed Sept. 19, 2005:
…establish benchmarking standards
for sustainability in Pickering through
a consultation process…

•

Committee established


Slide 3

Recent Initiatives
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Green Fund Projects

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Corporate Green Committee

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Durham Strategic Energy Alliance (DSEA)

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GTA Clean Air Council

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Pedestrian Bridge over 401

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Green Procurement policy – upcoming

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Coordinator, Environmental Awareness Programs

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Coordinator, Community Capacity Building


Slide 4

Sustainability: A Look Back

“Meeting the needs of the present
generation without compromising the
ability of future generations to
meet their needs.”
- Brundtland Report (1987)


Slide 5

Sustainability for Pickering
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Sustainability is not well understood

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Need to define for Pickering

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Must have clear meaning, clear relevance


Slide 6

Recommended Approach
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Benchmarking exercise within context of
broader Sustainability Program

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Journey, not one-time effort


Slide 7

Recommended Scope
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Components:

Pillar One – Economic
Pillar Two – Environmental
Pillar Three – Social

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Balance is necessary

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Economic is driving force, but all three are
critical


Slide 8

Phase One Work Program


Slide 9

Step 1: Identify Opportunities
November – December 2005

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Refine framework and objectives

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Develop initial list of opportunities to be evaluated

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Identify stakeholder audience for initial consultation

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Conduct initial consultation


Slide 10

Step 2: Engaging the Community
January – April 2006
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Review results of initial consultation, modify list and plans accordingly

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Design program to facilitate wider public review of issues and
benchmarking options

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Conduct multi-faceted consultation program with broader audience
 Each Councillor is a champion in his ward
 Councillors’ knowledge of ward used to facilitate
community engagement

•

Engage existing groups and foster new groups within the community
to take action

•

Identify opportunities for pilot projects, fast-track actions


Slide 11

Step 3: Phase One Report
April - June 2006

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Ongoing consultation

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Prepare report to council for Phase One




Summary of consultation feedback, stakeholder priorities
Details on elements benchmarked, pilot projects and
fast-tracked actions
Recommendations for next phase


Slide 12

Benchmarking
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Targets for future performance

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Other municipalities’ actions and best
practices
What is benchmarking?

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Understand legislative
tools available

• Evaluate various aspects of business in
relation to other companies
• Measure performance against highest
standards achievable
• Develop plans for how to achieve
continuous improvement


Slide 13

Benchmarking Example 1
PAST: Waste Diversion
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Track results: tonnage diverted/year

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Best practices by other municipalities

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Continual improvement in performance

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Latest step: Green Bin


Slide 14

Benchmarking Example 2
PRESENT: Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) Reduction
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Partners for Climate Protection campaign

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Over 125 municipalities
1.

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Milestones:

2.
3.
4.
5.

Inventory GHG emissions
Develop reduction target
Develop Local Action Plan
Implement Action Plan
Monitor and report results


Slide 15

Benchmarking Example 3
FUTURE: Renewable Energy
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Can play an important role in City’s future

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Demonstration projects, e.g.:
Solar Hot Water Heating

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Partnership opportunities


Slide 16

Next Steps
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Journey begins here

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Recommendations to council:





Receive report
Approve outlined process
Authorize committee to work on this project
Retain support as required