2022 Insights

• Emissions increased by 8% and are nearly at pre-pandemic 2019 levels. The transportation sector was the biggest driver for this increase (up 9%).
• Per capita emissions increased by 6%, reaching 8.2 tonnes CO2eq/person.
• Most of the GTHA's agricultural activity is concentrated in Durham, making up 3% of the region's total emissions. It is important to note that food grown in Durham is consumed by communities across Ontario and beyond. Excluding the industrial and agricultural sectors, Durham's per capita emissions are 5.9 tonnes CO2eq/person.
• Natural gas consumption increased by 13% in the industrial sector, 11% in the commercial sector, and 6% in the residential sector. Increases in the latter two sectors were mainly due to a colder winter (2022 had 10% more heating degree days).
• Electricity emissions increased by 26%, largely caused by the increasing carbon intensity of the provincial electricity grid.
• While active transportation decreased, cycling and walking remained 26% and 16% higher than pre-pandemic levels, respectively.
• Durham saw a large rise in electric vehicle purchases compared to 2021: 3,707 EVs (up 80%) and 1,402 PHEVs (up 34%).

Innovation in Durham

• The Municipality of Durham launched a Greener Homes Program to advance home energy upgrades, providing free energy coaching, financing options, incentives and rebates.
• Oshawa has removed minimum parking standards for non-residential buildings in the city center. Residential developments with less than 10 homes also have no parking requirements.