AFMNB<\/a>\u2019s member communities comprise nearly half of NB\u2019s population, so the association has the ability to reach and impact a large number of people.<\/p>\nAnd having sustainability as his exclusive responsibility gives Mousset the opportunity to focus on climate-related issues to a greater depth than most municipalities can manage with their limited resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of our programs and activities revolve around helping municipalities and their residents improve efficiency, reduce emissions and adapt to climate change,\u201d says Mousset.<\/p>\n
Helping promote the uptake and use of electric vehicles was an early priority. A 2018 project saw five member municipalities \u2013 Beresford, Dieppe, St. Quentin, Shippagan and Tracadie \u2013 take part in a pilot project aimed at electrifying their municipal fleets.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach community bought at least one EV for their own use,\u201d Mousset shares. \u201cThey\u2019ve all been happy with the performance \u2013 and the savings.\u201d Concurrently, the AFMNB has supported electrification of transportation by offering seminars and webinars to dispel common myths and explain the economic and environmental benefits of EVs.<\/p>\n
The project was to have included car sharing, where municipally-owned EVs were to be made available for residents to use \u2013 potentially even for free \u2013 on evenings and weekends. Unfortunately, that element of the project had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. However, Mousset is hopeful that that opportunity may be revisited in the future, noting how much more likely people are to purchase EVs if they have a chance to try them out first.<\/p>\n
Since lack of charging infrastructure is a significant barrier to the more rapid uptake of electric vehicles, expanding the network of EV chargers is also a priority for AFMNB. The Association is working on a proposal that would see the installation of chargers in six member municipalities. If funding is received, it\u2019s hoped that at least 10 new chargers \u2013 both Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast chargers) \u2013 will be installed by early 2025.<\/p>\n
One of the most exciting priorities currently on Mousset\u2019s list is examining the feasibility of municipalities being able to offer programs to help residents and business owners finance energy efficiency upgrades.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn some provinces, it\u2019s not uncommon for municipalities to offer such programs,\u201d Mousset explains. \u201cSo, if that can work elsewhere, why not here too?\u201d The AFMNB is working with seven member communities to examine ways municipalities might finance, for example, the installation of heat pumps, solar panels, or other energy-saving technology.<\/p>\n
Of particular interest is an approach called Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE. Under a typical PACE program, a resident can receive a low-interest loan from their municipality that enables them to make specific upgrades to their properties. The municipality\u2019s investment is protected because the loan is secured by the property, and residents repay the loan over time in accordance with an agreed-upon payment schedule.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe beautiful thing about well-designed PACE programs is that the energy savings generated are often more than enough to cover the loan payment,\u201d smiles Mousset. \u201cSo it\u2019s a win-win-win: for the municipality, the resident and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/questcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/A_F_M_N_B.png” title_text=”A_F_M_N_B” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”78px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|3px|36px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The AFMNB is working with a consultant who specializes in PACE and other potential options. A report is expected this year, and it\u2019s hoped that the first programs could roll out in 2025.<\/p>\n
Mousset also understands the growing importance of adding climate risk as a key consideration in municipal asset management. He and his colleague Marcel Vienneau, AFMNB\u2019s Asset Management Coordinator, are preparing to launch a four-year collaborative project that integrates those two priorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeoportail<\/em> is an online platform for mapping physical assets, and then developing asset management plans,\u201d he explains. \u201cWe\u2019re planning to add a \u2018climate layer\u2019, an overlay that defines climate risks and vulnerabilities for all those assets.\u201d<\/p>\nThe end goal of the project is to provide municipalities with a tool that enables them to understand climate threats and factor them into their long-term asset management plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cFlooding and erosion are risks of particular concern,\u201d he notes from his office within sight of Baie des Chaleurs<\/em>. \u201cMany of our member communities have experienced heavy rain events and powerful storm surges in recent years, so we\u2019ll probably need to put more focus on climate adaptation in the future too.\u201d<\/p>\nMousset and the AFMNB are also working with QUEST to shepherd six member municipalities through the first steps of creating their Community Energy and Emissions Plans, or CEEPs. NB\u2019s most recent Climate Change Action Plan requires that all municipalities have a CEEP in place by 2030. That\u2019s a big challenge, in particular for smaller communities with few staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re first helping them inventory their energy and emissions, which can be a daunting process,\u201d he says. \u201cThen we\u2019ll help them develop a plan of actions and priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The AFMNB-QUEST Canada partnership was initiated in 2022 and is expected to be renewed in 2024.<\/p>\n
And what does Mousset see as the biggest challenges going forward?<\/p>\n
\u201cEngaging people is an ongoing process,\u201d he admits. \u201cOur biggest successes come when we appeal to their self-interests.\u201d For citizens, that might mean appealing to protecting property and saving money. For leaders, that might mean helping identify and access funding sources, or offering guidance and services that could lighten staff workloads. \u201cOf course, high profile events like windstorms and storm surges have definitely made it easier to get people\u2019s attention.\u201d<\/p>\n
Funding is an ongoing concern, but many climate action programs have proven very helpful \u2013 notably, NB\u2019s Environmental Trust Fund and the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the federal government.<\/p>\n
As an association of municipalities, AFMNB occupies a unique position at the crossroads of local and provincial regulations and interests. It\u2019s a role that can be challenging, but it also offers continuous opportunities for creative collaboration and consensus-building. Mousset sees the trend toward improved intergovernmental relationships, especially in the realm of climate action, as a positive development.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re doing our best to work together and bring climate solutions to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”11px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”||0px|2px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ text_font=”|500|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#333333″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”|700||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#2b76df” header_5_letter_spacing=”5px” header_5_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”31px” custom_margin=”||-2px|33px||” custom_padding=”||0px|22px||” animation_style=”flip” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR<\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||32px|||” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#FFCC00″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/questcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Carl.jpg” title_text=”Carl Duivenvoorden” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”40%” width_phone=”50%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” custom_padding=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||15px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px|||” custom_margin_phone=”||15px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Carl Duivenvoorden<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|68px||||” custom_padding_tablet=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”] Speaker, writer and sustainability consultant Carl Duivenvoorden helps people and organizations learn how they can save money, energy and our environment. He\u2019s presented to over 450 audiences across Atlantic Canada and in the US, and his column Green Ideas ran for 10 years in New Brunswick dailies. He lives in Upper Kingsclear, NB.<\/em>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”63px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/questcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Powered-by-Communities-Logo-1-e1677799099873.png” title_text=”Powered by Communities Logo (1)” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” width_tablet=”30%” width_phone=”40%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAbout Powered by Communities<\/b><\/h2>\n
Established in 2017, Powered by Communities is an awareness-raising, communications and media platform that highlights and celebrates local community energy initiatives taking place across the country, from coast to coast to coast. The platform inspires, informs and engages its readership with stories and articles detailing community energy initiatives being led by local governments, municipalities, Indigenous communities, community groups, non-profits, charities, and enterprising individuals. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/questcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Untitled-design-2.png” alt=”QUEST Canada logo” title_text=”Untitled design-2″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” width_tablet=”30%” width_phone=”40%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
About QUEST Canada<\/b><\/h2>\n
QUEST Canada is a registered Canadian charity that supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net-zero. Since 2007, we\u2019ve been facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement efficient and integrated energy systems that best meet community needs and maximize local opportunities. We develop tools and resources, convene stakeholders and rights holders, and advise decision-makers \u2014 all with the goal of encouraging, assisting and enabling communities to contribute to Canada\u2019s net-zero goals.<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-35px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||68px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”News” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ background_color=”#00A9A6″ custom_margin=”-9px|||||” custom_padding=”63px|0px|63px|0px|true|false” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/questcanada.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/PbyC.png” title_text=”PbyC” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”10%” max_width=”10%” border_radii=”on|400px|400px|400px|400px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ text_font=”|500|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#333333″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”|700||on|||||” header_5_text_color=”#2b76df” header_5_letter_spacing=”5px” header_5_line_height=”1.5em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”31px” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”flip” text_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n