Net-Zero in Our Neighbourhood
Net-zero refers to a future in which human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are no longer being produced. Reaching net-zero also means that any remaining greenhouse gases will be removed or stored in natural or technological ‘sinks’ such as oceans or forests.
Student Energy’s Net Zero in Our Neighbourhood campaign champions overlooked demand-side solutions through energy efficiency, conservation, and community energy-focused events. Check out our Toolkit below for practical and fun ways to contribute to a net-zero future in your community!
Why Take Action?
Communities in Canada are already dealing with rising impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves, forest fires, and flooding, all of which are expected to increase in frequency, and severity in the near future, increasing costs for repair and the overall toll on frontline communities. Addressing climate risks and improving the visibility and understanding of the connections between energy and climate through local action will lead to a more resilient and responsive population.
A net-zero future has the potential to provide co-benefits including cleaner air and better health outcomes, accessible employment opportunities, and resilient communities. However, getting there will require seats at the table and pathways for active and equitable participation across the country.
How to Start Taking Action
Want to take climate action in your community but unsure where to start? Check out our list of hopeful, fun, and action-oriented engagement activities below and have fun engaging in net-zero activities in your community!
Community Energy Audit
Eco-living Block party
Clean Energy Facility tour
Know Your Regulator
Heat pump hype party
Intergenerational Story-telling Circle
Seasonal energy town hall
About
The Net Zero in our Neighbourhood project led by Student Energy, in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Net Zero Advisory Body, aims to demystify and localize action towards Canada’s climate goals through templated, plug-and-play, individual and community engagement activities. With this project, our goals are to:
Demystify the concept of net-zero and what it means to contribute to Canada’s climate action goals
Connect the dots between the national and international policy scope to the community and individual scope
(Re)Build our collective community-building skills through supporting the facilitation of in-person, place-based, hands-on engagement activities
Improve visibility and understanding of energy in our lives, from being able to quickly estimate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to spotting opportunities for impact in their environment
Check out our templated actions to see how you can join the movement and contribute to Canada’s climate action goals!
The Net Zero in Our Neighbourhood project is supported by The Net-Zero Engagement Fund, a funding opportunity made available by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to respond to the Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB)’s mandate to support initiatives and projects that build awareness, dialogue, and capacity on net-zero amongst youth and families in Canada.
Student Energy
Student Energy is a global youth-led organization empowering the next generation of leaders who are accelerating the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future. We work with a network of 50,000 young people from over 120 countries to build the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to take action on energy. Our Programs Ecosystem includes over 50 university-based chapters around the world, the international Student Energy Summit (SES), a digital Energy System Map that has reached over 17 million users, and a series of capacity-building programs including the Student Energy Fellowship, Career Training, and Guided Projects.
We also work with governments, the UN, and other decision makers to facilitate meaningful youth engagement and mobilize resources, coaching, and mentorship to support youth-led work. Student Energy has built coalitions with over 100 diverse partners, such as Indigenous Clean Energy, Sustainable Energy for All, the Stockholm Environment Institute, DNV, WSP, and national governments like Canada, Denmark, and Sweden. Student Energy has stewarded CAD$10 million+ in funding to date, supported the development of over 280 youth energy projects.
Head to our website to learn more about how you can get involved with Student Energy!
The Net Zero in Our Neighbourhood project is graciously supported by the Net Zero Advisory Body through Environment and Climate Change Canada, to support the community engagement component of NZAB’s mandate. The Net Zero Engagement Fund aims to support youth, community members, and families to build awareness and connection to net zero in Canada. Learn more about the Net Zero Advisory Body’s work here.
Questions about Net-Zero in Our Neighbourhood?
Contact us at research@studentenergy.org