Community Emissions

As our climate changes and we experience more weather events, we need to learn how to live in new environmental conditions. One of ways you can contribute is to learn about climate change! To get you started check out the resources we have included throughout our website.

Although carbon in our atmosphere is part of a natural cycle, human activity, through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and changes in land use over the last century, has caused global temperatures to warm. This has led to more frequent and severe weather events with local impacts on people, agriculture, and livestock. According to the latest reports (AR6), some impacts are already irreversible, but the severity of future risks largely depends on near-term emissions reductions (mitigation).

Actions You Can Take

Community Emissions

Whether you want to insulate your house, carpool with a neighbour, eat locally, or install solar panels on your roof, these actions will reduce your emissions and are examples of way that you can contribute to Climate Change Mitigation. You can use the Emissions Reduction Actions Hierarchy and suggestions below to help you prioritize your actions for every budget. You might even consider choices that will have co-benefits!

Actions You Can Take
Reduce (low-cost behaviour changes)	Turn off lights/electronics Set the thermostat higher or lower (summer/ winter) Use cold water for laundry Reduce non-essential journeys Air-dry clothes Use blinds to keep out summer heat
Improve (make existing systems more efficient)	Upgrade insulation Install energy-efficient windows or weatherstripping Use LED lights (programs that offer free ones) Choose ENERGY STAR appliances
Switch (change to lower-emission energy sources)	Replace a gas stove with an electric induction stove/ hot plate Replace a gas furnace with a cold-weather heat pump When you buy a new car, consider hybrid or electric vehicles
Generate (produce your own clean energy/community-scale access)	Install rooftop solar panels and solar hot water systems Support or join shared community renewable energy projects
Offset (compensate for emissions you can’t eliminate/low-cost ways to contribute)	Invest in certified carbon offset programs Support regional environmental restoration projects Participate in community tree planting or other conservation activities

Resources

Wellington Country Community Emissions Reduction Plan

Click here for a list of programs, incentives, and resources available to help you save money and support you on your sustainability journey.

Home Energy

Homes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through the energy used for heating, hot water, lighting, appliances, and cooling. The largest source is typically home heating, especially when natural gas, propane, or oil is used. Since Ontario’s electricity grid is relatively low-carbon, improving energy efficiency and reducing fossil fuel use for heating, such as by upgrading insulation or switching to a heat pump, can significantly lower a household’s carbon footprint.

Here is a range of home efficiency opportunities and supports from low or no-cost to major retrofits

Low-Cost or No-Cost Actions

Turn down thermostats 1–2°C when sleeping or away.
Install LED light bulbs.
Use smart power bars and unplug unused electronics.
Reduce hot water use (shorter showers, cold-water laundry).
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
Seal drafts around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking.
Close blinds/curtains during hot summer days and open them for passive solar heat in winter.
Regularly replace furnace filters.

Moderate-Cost Measures

Smart thermostat installation.
Attic insulation upgrades.
Air sealing and draft-proofing.
ENERGY STAR® appliances when replacement is needed.
Heat pump water heater

Major Retrofit Opportunities

Cold-climate heat pumps.
Window and exterior door replacements.
Basement, wall, and attic insulation.
Solar PV and battery storage systems.

Moving Around

Living and working in a rural community often means relying on personal vehicles to commute, access services, and reach employment opportunities in larger urban centres. Many farms, businesses, and municipal operations also depend on heavy-duty vehicles and equipment to carry out their daily activities. At the same time, rural areas typically have limited access to public transit and fewer opportunities to travel by walking or cycling. While these realities can make reducing transportation-related emissions more challenging, there are still many practical steps we can take to lower our environmental impact.

Driving Habits

Drive less when possible. Combining errands, planning efficient routes, and reducing unnecessary trips can lower fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
Choose active transportation for shorter trips. Walking or cycling within communities for recreation, school, or local errands can reduce vehicle use while supporting personal health.
Carpool or share rides. Coordinating trips with neighbours, coworkers, or family members can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower transportation costs.
Support local businesses and services. Shopping locally helps reduce travel distances while strengthening the local economy.
Work remotely when possible. Even reducing commuting by one or two days per week can meaningfully reduce transportation-related emissions.
Reduce idling. Turning off vehicles when stopped for extended periods saves fuel and reduces unnecessary emissions.
Maintain vehicles regularly. Proper tire pressure, regular servicing, and efficient driving habits can improve fuel economy and prolong vehicle life.

Low-emission or Electric vehicles

Use cleaner fuels and equipment. Farms and businesses can explore lower-emission equipment, fuel-efficient technologies, and emerging alternative fuel options as equipment reaches the end of its service life.
Consider low-emission or electric vehicles. For households replacing a vehicle, hybrid and electric options can significantly reduce fuel use, particularly for local trips and commuting to nearby urban centres.

Electric vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, with more hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extended electric cars and trucks available than ever before. These options can be a good fit for rural residents, offering lower fuel costs and emissions while still providing the range and reliability needed for everyday travel. When considering a new vehicle, it can also be helpful to consider household transportation needs as a whole, including access to a second vehicle, carpooling, or ride-sharing opportunities, to ensure flexibility without compromising mobility.