Toronto

Ontario, Canada

By 2050, 100 percent of vehicles in Toronto will use low-carbon energy; 75 per cent of trips under 5 km will be walked or cycled.

Emissions Reduction

37%

As of: 2018 (Baseline: 1990)

Economic Growth

100%

As of: 2020 (Baseline: 1990)

Emissions Reduction Target

NET ZERO by 2050

Baseline: 1990

Renewable Energy Target

75%

By 2050

Emissions by Source

Transport 36%

Waste 9%

Buildings 55%

As of: 2020

Electricity Mix

As of: 2020

The City continues to develop and implement innovative policies and programs and inspire the community to address climate change and make Toronto one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in the world.

Toronto’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, based on 1990 levels are:

30 per cent by 2020
65 per cent by 2030
80 per cent by 2050

To transition to a low-carbon Toronto by 2050, the design and delivery will maximizes public benefit and minimizes harm, by using the following guiding principles:

Advance social equity;
Improve affordability particularly for vulnerable populations;
Protect low-income residents
Contribute to poverty reduction
Enhance and strengthen the local economy;
Maintain and create good quality local jobs;
Improve public health; and
Create resilient communities and infrastructure

What will Toronto look like in the future?

Homes and buildings: By 2030, all new buildings will be built to produce near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By 2050, all existing buildings will have been retrofitted to improve energy performance by an average of 40 per cent. Homes and buildings generate about half of the greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto today.
Energy: By 2050, 75 per cent of the energy we use will be renewable or low-carbon; 30 per cent of total floor space across Toronto will be connected to low-carbon heating and cooling energy.
Transportation: By 2050, 100 per cent of vehicles in Toronto will use low-carbon energy; 75 per cent of trips under 5 km will be walked or cycled. Vehicles generate about one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto today.
Waste Diversion: By 2050, 95 per cent of waste will be diverted from landfills. Waste generates more than 10 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto.

TransformTO

TransformTO is Toronto’s ambitious climate action strategy. Unanimously approved by City Council in July 2017, it includes a set of long-term, low-carbon goals and strategies to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and improve our health, grow our economy, and improve social equity.

Revitalization of Queens Quay

The revitalization of Queens Quay is one of the most complex street reconstruction projects undertaken in the country’s history. Opening in 2015 after ten years of study, design, and construction, the project has transformed this much-maligned waterfront street into a destination boulevard and city landmark. The re-envisioned Queens Quay linear park connects various precincts and public spaces along the Waterfront.

Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy

The Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy recommends nine key policy actions that the City can implement to decarbonize all existing residential, commercial and institutional buildings within the next 30 years.

Toronto Green Standard

The Toronto Green Standard (TGS) is a critical component of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. For more than 10 years, it has served as a market transformation tool both locally and provincially, resulting in quality building projects that help to make Toronto a great city.

Climate Emergency Declaration

In October 2019, Toronto City Council declared a climate emergency for the purpose of naming, framing, and deepening its commitment to protecting our economy, our ecosystems and our community from climate change.

The Pathway to Sustainable City of Toronto Fleets

The Pathway to Sustainable City of Toronto Fleets (Plan) provides an overview of the City Fleets' objectives in addressing climate mitigation and adaptation with strategies for transitioning City Fleets to sustainable, climate resilient, low-carbon operations.