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Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act

Environmental Goals & Sustainable Prosperity in Nova Scotia

Sustainable prosperity is a term that we hear a lot these days.

For the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, sustainable prosperity is all about seizing today's opportunities without compromising tomorrow, while working together for a strong, competitive economy, a healthy environment, and vibrant, thriving communities.

With that in mind, the government made 21 aggressive environmental commitments in 2007 in an act called Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act.

This act has implications for all aspects of life in Nova Scotia. It includes specific deadlines such as:

  • 2008: EnerGuide ratings on all new residential dwellings
  • 2010: new emission standards for new motor vehicles
  • 2010: large reductions in major air pollutants
  • 2013: renewable electricity generation increases to min. 18.5% of total supply
  • 2020: economic performance to the Canadian average or better
  • 2020: 10% less greenhouse gas emissions than 1990 levels

These are ambitious goals, particularly because we are striving to increase our rate of growth and decrease our use of energy at the same time.

Please see the Environmental Goals & Sustainable Prosperity Act: for the complete Act.

Nova Scotia's Ecotrust Program

To help achieve these goals, Nova Scotia created the Ecotrust for Clean Air and Climate Change. It's a $42.5 million initiative to help spur projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution.

The Ecotrust funding supports many different initiatives. The Capital District Health Authority is using the Ecotrust to speed the fuel conversion of its many health facilities, from oil to natural gas. Funding has been awarded to everything from tidal power projects to energy efficiency initiatives.

The Ecotrust for Clean Air and Climate Change also encourages opportunities for Nova Scotians through the Municipal and Environmental Technology Programs. Grants worth $17 million are available for Nova Scotia projects that can show direct emission reductions.

Please see Ecotrust: for more information and grant applications.