Sustainability is critical, not only for assuring the needs for future generations, but also to reduce costs associated with the consumption of non-renewable energy, generate economic opportunities through the development of “green industries”, and create a city that becomes more environmentally accountable for its actions. This will contribute to making Halifax an attractive place to live and do business.
Our citizens have told us that they want Halifax to lead the way in the adoption of sustainable management practices. These include supporting sustainable development, partnering with industry to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, removing barriers to achieving sustainability, implementing education programs and implementing sustainable procurement practices.
In 2004, the municipality announced the creation of the Sustainable Environment Management Office (SEMO), only to diminish its power significantly by placing it under the authority of Infrastructure and Asset Management. We believe that a higher level of commitment to sustainability is required by the city. Following the lead of national and international companies, institutions and organizations, we propose the creation of the position of Chief Sustainability Officer with senior responsibility equivalent to that of a Chief Financial Officer and a mandate to ensure that the decisions being made by the municipality are in the long-term interest of creating the most sustainable city in Canada by 2020. This is the level of commitment required in our judgment to ensure greater accountability with regard to our environment.