Carrying the torch into 2023, this year’s Earth Day theme compels us once again to “Invest in Our Planet”. As climate change and its effects continue to intensify, it is more important than ever to take accountability for the well-being of current and future generations. In recognition of our members’ collective interest in addressing climate change, the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) remains committed to advancing sustainable solutions and practices across the planning profession and Canada.

Achieving Carbon Neutrality: 2022 in Review

This year, CIP proudly celebrates four years of carbon neutrality. Since CIP’s centenary in 2019, the organization has tracked its emissions across the following categories: office space, paper and printing, employee commuting, magazine production and distribution, and staff and volunteer travel. CIP continuously strives to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions from its operations, including at the annual national conference, and to offset our emissions through the yearly purchase of carbon credits of Gold Standard-certified projects.

In 2020 and 2021, CIP saw a significant reduction in carbon emissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent reduction in employee travel, in-person events, and office operations. With a return to in-person work, events, and staff and volunteer travel, CIP saw an increase of 125% in emissions in 2022 when compared to the previous year. To offset emissions from 2022, CIP has invested approximately $1,065 in carbon credits.

Throughout 2022, CIP worked to take its commitments to the environment and carbon neutrality further by introducing new environmentally-friendly policies and initiatives across the organization. When the office reopened in April 2022, CIP moved to a hybrid work model, with Ottawa employees no longer commuting daily. CIP also introduced a hybrid model for the annual national conference, eliminating the need for all conference participants to travel and attend in person. Additionally, for the upcoming national conference, Navigation 2023, CIP is working with Bullfrog Power to ensure additional offsets to emissions at the Halifax Convention Centre.

In light of these policies, CIP is proud to share that we recently completed the CSA Group’s rating guide on Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) for associations, and scored the gold level.

CIP at Work for Our Members on Climate

Reducing work-related carbon emissions, and offsetting those required for operations, is one of many integrated actions CIP is taking to address the complex issue of climate change. Here are other ways the Institute is working to address this priority issue:

Resources

For Earth Day—and every day—CIP has compiled a list of climate-related planning resources. In the spirit of “Invest in Our Planet”, we encourage you to spend some of your time pursuing the sustainable solutions and practices shared below.

Canadian Planning and Policy Journal

CIP Resources and Webinars

Planning Association Resources

Additional Guides and Resources

Do you know of more resources that are relevant to the planning community? Help us to gather and share learning resources by contacting us at communications@cip-icu.ca.