Banff

Energy and climate action

Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap

In January 2019, council adopted a new Environmental Master Plan that includes community-wide goals of achieving 30% emissions reductions by 2030, and 80% by 2050 (relative to 2016 emissions levels) and the goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050.  The Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap is a long-term technical blueprint that provides pathways to achieving these ambitious goals.

The Renewable Energy transition roadmap outlines 30 actions to achieve these ambitious goals that fall under the following categories.

  • Energy Efficient Buildings

  • Local low-carbon energy

  • Importing renewable energy

  • Low carbon transportation

Rebates and incentive programs

Commercial Rebates

Businesses can take advantage of rebates offered by the Town to Banff to improve the environmental efficiency of commercial properties

Fruit Tree Replacement Program

An incentive program to remove fruit trees in Banff and replace them with native, non-fruit bearing trees at no cost to homeowners has been offered when funding is available.

Residential Rebates

Town of Banff residents may apply for rebates for environmentally-friendly products.

Solar Incentive Program

The Town of Banff has a program to encourage property owners to install solar systems that produce renewable electricity.

FireSmart Tree Replacement Incentive

An incentive program is available for residential property owners to reduce wildfire hazards by removing conifer trees and replacing them with deciduous trees.

Wildlife and Ecosystems

Human-Wildlife coexistance plan

The Bow Valley is an increasingly desirable destination for people to visit, live and recreate. This is in part due to its proximity to Calgary, as well as its reputation as a world class tourist destination. Both people and wildlife concentrate their movements along the valley bottoms, which can lead to human-wildlife occurrences, displacement of wildlife from important habitats, and human-caused mortality. Managers in the Bow Valley have taken innovative approaches to improve human-wildlife coexistence through a variety of actions, including improved garbage management, reductions of human use in corridors, highway mitigations, and proactive education. 

Zero Waste Trail Program

  • Residential waste diversion

  • Non-residential waste diversion

  • Single use items and packaging reduction

  • Reducing consumption

  • Pedestrian bin waste streams

  • Construction, renovation and demolition materials

  • Material management and emissions

Banff’s goal is to divert 70% of waste from landfill by 2028 and send zero waste to landfill by 2050. The Town of Banff is working to eliminate waste sources, while supporting and growing our local share, repair, and reuse economy. The program has the following seven focus areas: