Climate smart
Climate Smart
Programs for Kelowna residents
Climate Smart programs help residents create more efficient, safe, and cost-effective homes.
We’re working together to combat climate change
Kelowna is already experiencing climate change, from flooding and drought to severe wildfires. As conditions shift, we’re taking action and supporting residents in making climate-smart choices.
Climate change affects everyone, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a shared responsibility. The City is leading by example, working to lower corporate emissions and build more compact, efficient communities.
Adopted in 2024, the Climate Resilient Kelowna Strategy identifies 10 key drivers to address climate change in Kelowna including:
- Reduce reliance on vehicles
- Transition to efficient, low-emission vehicles
- Create low-emission, efficient, resilient buildings
- Support low-emission and resilient energy supply
- Create complete, compact, resilient communities
- Employ nature-based solutions
- Reduce emissions from waste
- Increase the resiliency of infrastructure and assets
- Improve climate emergency preparedness
- Demonstrate municipal corporate climate leadership
We are tracking progress toward emissions reduction targets and climate resilience goals, including community GHG trends and priority actions.
Explore the report for detailed actions and see how we’re progressing.
Air Quality
Stay informed about local air quality, wildfire smoke preparedness, climate resiliency programs, and ways to support healthier air in our community.
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Flooding
Find information on spring freshet and flood risks, property protection measures, preparedness resources, and local flood recovery efforts.
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Extreme Cold
Get tips for staying safe during winter weather, preparing for extreme cold, and accessing local supports during severe cold events.
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Extreme Heat
Understand heat alert levels, discover places to cool down, and find practical resources for staying safe during periods of extreme heat.
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The Corporate Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) is the City of Kelowna’s blueprint for becoming more energy efficient, reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting a more sustainable future for Kelowna. The SEMP outlines the recommended 2030 corporate energy and emissions targets and details the plan to achieve progress toward these targets and beyond.
Targets for this plan include:
- 40 per cent reduction (tCO2e) by 2030 from 2007 levels (409 4CO2e/year)
- 20 per cent reduction in energy use intensity by 2030 from 2012 levels
Read more, including a detailed list of actions and initiatives in the report.
READ THE REPORT
The City partners with Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) to offer opportunities for local youth to gain paid, hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful climate action projects in their own community during the summer season.
Key initiatives for youth include running emergency preparedness and wildfire resilience workshops, FireSmart fieldwork and mapping projects, assisting with sustainable transportation initiatives, and outreach connected to Kelowna’s urban tree canopy programs.
Learn more about YCCBC at youthclimatecorps.com.
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