Edmonton, Alberta Environmental Policy

Type: Policy

Status: Adopted on 5/23/06

Source File: http://www.edmonton.ca/citygov/policy/C512.doc

Text:

Policy Statement:
The City of Edmonton, through its planning, decision-making processes, and leadership, will promote the development of an environmentally sustainable community that functions in harmony with the natural environment.

The City of Edmonton will exercise environmental stewardship of its operations, products and services, based on its commitment to: (a) prevent pollution, (b) continually improve its environmental performance by setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets, and (c) meet or exceed applicable environmental legal requirements and other requirements to which it subscribes.

The purpose of this policy is to state the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability in accordance with the following guiding principles:

• Quality Of Life: A healthy, sustainable environment is an essential requirement for high quality of life in Edmonton – both today and in the future.
• Shared Responsibility: The protection and preservation of Edmonton’s natural environment is a responsibility shared by municipal departments and branches, Edmonton’s business community, other orders of government, and Edmontonians. Collaboration, co-operation, and partnerships are needed to exercise this responsibility effectively.
• Decision-Making Model: Environmental considerations will be factored into business decisions made by the City of Edmonton.
• Protection of the Natural Environment: The City of Edmonton will take a leadership role in protecting natural heritage and biodiversity within the municipality and region.
• Intergenerational Equality: The City of Edmonton will strive to understand and minimize the negative environmental impacts its operations may have on future generations.
• Public Awareness and Understanding: The City of Edmonton will take a leadership role in increasing public awareness of environmental issues and the actions citizens can take.
• Citizen Consultation and Participatory Decision Making: Communities and stakeholders must have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and be empowered to develop community-based environmental programs.