The Community Sustainability Planning Initiative (CSPI) represents the City's ongoing effort with our community partners to grow and function in an integrated way to support the community's fiscal, economic, environmental and social needs today and in the future.
The intent of the CSPI is to provide a coordinated and comprehensive approach to sustainability enabling the community to build on existing sustainability successes and take the next steps toward a more sustainable community. Through the development of high-level plans and strategies, CSPI projects will position the community to capitalize on our many unique advantages, embrace emerging sustainability trends and technologies, leverage opportunities, attract partnerships, support growth and innovation, and support the City's Official Community Plan and Strategic Plan vision of a "liveable, sustainable and prosperous community".
The CSPI commenced in 2011 with the following CSPI project being completed in early 2013.
• Community Sustainability Strategy
• Green Energy Plan
• Green Community Plan
• Green Economic Investment Study
Community Sustainability Strategy (CSS)
The CSS represents the guiding or 'flagship' document of the CSPI. The CSS establishes Abbotsford’s sustainability vision and supporting framework for integrating fiscal, economic, environmental and social sustainability into City policy, plans, strategies, and decision making, and supporting community sustainability efforts. The CSS builds upon the City's Official Community Plan and Strategic Plan vision of a "liveable, sustainable and prosperous community" and expresses a sustainability vision through a series of 'future states' that describe what a sustainable Abbotsford looks like.
Green Energy Plan (GEP)
In 2010, the City updated the Official Community Plan (OCP) to include community greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets as required by provincial legislation. The GEP will assist the implementation of OCP policy by recommending strategies and actions for the community to reduce GHGs and also decrease energy use. The GEP is a resource for private companies/businesses, industry, and members of the community to consult for guidance and ideas for simple and innovative projects to reduce GHG emissions and energy use.
Green Community Plan (GCP)
Green Community Plan identifies strategies for the public, community stakeholders and the City to work collaboratively towards a greener community. This will result in an aesthetically pleasing city where the economy is prosperous, the environment and natural resources are carefully stewarded, and where residents enjoy a healthy and rewarding quality of life.
Green Economic Investment Study (GEIS)
A "green economy" is any economic activity that grows our economy and creates jobs, while also preserving or enhancing our environment. The GEIS examines direct and indirect means for the City and its partners to advance a green economy in which local businesses incorporate green initiatives into their operations and buildings and develop green goods, services, and technologies that promote efficient and innovative resource use and pollution prevention.
The above projects, approved by Council on February 18, 2013 are described in more detail in the February 18, 2013 report to Council.
For more information about the Community Sustainability Planning Initiative call 604-851-4174 or email sustainability@abbotsford.ca.