Climate change mitigation

Accelerating local transformation to net zero

This award recognizes municipal initiatives that drive deep reductions in community GHG emissions. Winning initiatives will demonstrate a holistic approach that can be replicated in municipalities across Canada. Studies, plans and capital projects that aim to significantly reduce GHG emissions and advance climate action across the municipality will all be considered.

Examples of eligible initiatives:

• Climate action programs that are driving deep reductions in community-wide GHG emissions, including community energy efficiency financing programs.
• Water conservation programs.
• Municipal integrated planning exercises that seek to significantly reduce GHG emissions while also generating significant co-benefits such as increased resilience, livability and equity.
• Policies, programs or partnerships that seek to replicate or scale up responses to reduce GHG emissions.

Who can apply?

All Canadian municipalities and their partners are eligible to apply for an FCM Sustainable Communities Award.

Learn about the 2022 climate change mitigation category winner, a group of three small municipalities—Charlottetown and Stratford in P.E.I. and Wolfville, N.S.—teamed up with community interest corporation Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Atlantic to design and launch a regional PACE program.

Learn about the 2020 neighborhoods category winner, the City of Edmonton, AB, who developed a carbon neutral community that uses 100% renewable energy. The City of Edmonton also received FCM's Inspire Award for the project that best demonstrates creativity and innovation, as decided by delegates at FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference.

Discover how the Green Municipal Fund can support your next innovative municipal project via our Net-Zero Transformation funding offers.

Applications are now closed. Winners will be announced in 2025.