The Role of Municipal Level Government in Accelerating 100% Renewable Energy Use: a Case Study of Oxford County, Ontario
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Authors
Murray, Matthew
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Renewable , 100% Renewable Energy , Planning , Urban Planning , Land Use , Land Use Planning , Engagement , Public Engagement , Step Code , Oxford County , Ontario , Tiering , Sustainability , Rural , Nelson BC , Canada , Case Study , Triangulation , Carbon Neutral , Sweden , Renewable Energy , Solar , Photovoltaic , Wind Turbine , Stakeholder , Local Government , Denmark , Germany , Freiberg
Alternative Title
Abstract
Climate change will have severe impacts on the biosphere that human society depends on, with repercussions increasing in step with the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. These impacts can be avoided by drastically reducing emissions from human society by transitioning to a 100% renewable energy system (100% RE) and reducing the quantity of energy needed overall. In 2016 Oxford County, Ontario set a goal to reach 100% RE by 2050. Using Oxford as a case study, this thesis describes best practices for transitioning to 100% RE for local governments in Canada. This thesis identifies the current progress toward reaching 100% renewable energy in Oxford County and existing strategic gaps that need to be addressed to achieve their goal of 100% RE by 2050 at the community level. It also sets out best practices and recommendations for future research in regards to achieving 100% RE in municipalities across Canada. This thesis also extends thinking on conceptual and theoretical approaches to achieving 100% RE in particular relation to municipal land use planning. The methods used in this analysis are based on the constant comparative method, utilizing a triangulation of (a) literature, (b) policy documents and (c) interviews with 17 expert informants from Canada and abroad. The value of communicative planning, planning tools and the various roles of planners are defined in the context of contributing to a 100% RE transition. Oxford County’s energy and land use planning policies were reviewed and compared against those of other jurisdictions. Engagement, dwelling density, mixed use development, energy mapping, building retrofits and energy efficient building codes can all serve as effective tools to reduce GHG emissions when properly utilized. Oxford County has laid the ground work for a 100% RE future, though much work will need to be done to help it reach this ambitious goal. The policies of other jurisdictions provide some guidance. Over the past decade, the concept of utilizing land use planning to develop low GHG emission communities has become part of mainstream discourse. More recently, plans to reach 100% RE at the community level have become a globally phenomenon. This research is part of an emerging trend in research and policy, recognizing land use planning as an integral part of 100% RE Plans.
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Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United States
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.