Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting

Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting engagement is now closed. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. You can read the engagement summary report here.

Your input helped inform the Energy and Carbon Emissions Reporting Bylaw, which was adopted by Council on June 26, 2025.

Background & What We Engaged On

From February to March 2024, the City of Victoria, District of Saanich and Capital Regional District engaged with building owners and managers to identify the best approach for implementing an energy and carbon emissions reporting and benchmarking program. The approach is designed to support owners and managers of large buildings in complying with the requirement by making it as straightforward as possible.

We held focus groups to seek input on the proposed requirements and identify supports to manage any challenges complying with the requirements. We also held two information sessions to present the draft energy and carbon emissions reporting requirements and respond to questions.

The City of Victoria is addressing climate change by actively working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A significant portion, 77 per cent, of emissions from Victoria’s buildings come from large commercial and residential structures. To reduce this impact, the City is considering implementing an energy and carbon emissions reporting and benchmarking requirement. View the draft requirement.

This proposed program would assist building owners in directing investments, while providing the City with valuable data to create well-informed policies and programs that support GHG reductions. Under this proposed program, large building owners and occupants would be required to submit monthly energy and emissions data on an annual basis. In return, each building would receive an annual report comparing its performance to its prior performance as well as to that of other, similar buildings in the area.

This ongoing analysis can optimize energy usage and help building owners make informed decisions that benefit their financial bottom line while cutting carbon emissions.