Why is EAC working on Green Jobs? Kitchen Table Sessions May 31, 2014 Mark Butler Ecology Action Centre

EGSPA Goal updates 25 total goals – 4 new in 2012 11 goals considered to be achieved In some cases, 2012 EGSPA amendments results in goal changes which affected completion status). 14 goals in progress

EGSPA Goals achieved during 2012-2013 Canada Wide Standards for Particulate Matter and Ozone Airborne fine particulate matter 12% protected land by 2015 The Parks and Protected Areas plan ensures protection of more than 13% of the province by 2015 Contaminated Sites Regulations brought into effect

Goals modified during 2012 amendments Nitrogen oxide emissions 2009 goal achieved. Reduction target for 2015 has been achieved. Sulphur dioxide emissions 2010 target achieved. Targets for 2015 and 2020 added during 2012 EGSPA amendments. Wastewater treatment facilities 92% of municipal wastewater treatment facilities have met this target

EGSPA Goals in progress Renewable electricity Energy efficiency rating system in NS Building Code Regulations Updated provisions in Building Code expected Dec. 31, 2013 GHG emissions GHG output in 2011 is estimated to have been 20.6 Mtonnes. GHG output declined 11.6% between 2007-2011

Goals in progress continued Mercury 2012 emissions were 93.9kg, below the permitted limit of 100kg. Municipal drinking water supplies 86% of municipal drinking water supplies met treatment standards. Solid-waste disposal rate 2012 disposal rate was 394kg/person

New EGSPA goals for 2013 Cleaner Energy Framework Green Economy Strategy by 2014 20% of money spent on food in Nova Scotia is spent on locally produced food by 2020 Number of local farms increased by 5% by 2020

Review of Key Jurisdictions/Literature – Recurring Themes Economy and environment need not be alternatives (an outdated view), but can complement each other. A green(er) economy means “greening” all sectors, not only environmental goods and services. Regulatory certainty - well-designed regulation triggers investment. Energy and resource productivity (efficiency). Resilience to climate change reduces fiscal /economic risk. Most “greened jobs” are not new occupations, but new skills. Measurements will evolve to evaluate a green(er) economy.

The Vision A prosperous and innovative Nova Scotia, with an enviable social fabric, standard of living, diversity and sustainability. The Green Economy Strategy should build upon the following: create a low-carbon economy; use policy and regulatory certainty to trigger business investment; maintain and enhance the value of our natural resources, environments and ecosystems; and improve quality of life and well-being. This strategy is about greening of sectors across the economy, and the integration of environmental, economic and social goals. -Green Economy Strategy Working Group

Focus Areas Focus Area #1: Promote the value of regulatory certainty for innovation and cost predictability. Focus Area #2: Develop the clean technology sector. Focus Area #3: Promote energy and resource efficiency as an enabler for economic growth. Focus Area #4: Accelerate the greening of companies, products and services. These can be removed if we haven’t had sufficient internal consultation.