Energy and Climate Change

Climate change is here — but so are we. Let’s fix it together, Guelph.

We Need Action Now

Climate change is already affecting daily life in Guelph.

We’re seeing longer heatwaves, stronger storms and rising energy costs. These changes affect our health, our homes and how much we pay to live here. The good news: there are solutions that are already working, and we can build on them together.

Guelph’s Climate Targets

We have a clear plan to reduce air pollution and build a cleaner, more affordable energy future in Guelph.

• By 2030: Cut community greenhouse gas emissions by more than half (63 per cent below 2018 levels).
• By 2050: Become a net-zero carbon community

These targets guide how Guelph invests, builds and grows.

What the City Is Doing

The City of Guelph is already working on solutions that reduce air pollution and lower long-term costs. We’re:

• Expanding clean energy
• Improving buildings to use less energy
• Investing in transportation options beyond driving

We’re working towards using 100% clean energy by 2050 — we report publicly on our progress each year.

Our Progress

We’re making steady, measurable progress — and it’s already making a difference. Since 2018, we’ve:

• Reduced energy use by 17 per cent.
• Lowered air pollution per person by nine per cent.
• Grown local solar power sixfold — that’s enough solar energy to power both the Guelph Civic Museum and Firehall Headquarters.

Our latest Energy Sustainability Report shows how these efforts are adding up in everyday ways. In 2025, for example, we:

• Saved 268,790 litres of water daily through City programs.
• Generated 10 per cent more renewable electricity than in 2024.
• Reduced diesel fuel use from our fleet vehicles by 75,000+ litres.  
• Diverted 29,695 tonnes of organics from landfill.

Our Call to Action

Our Community Call to Climate Action shares practical steps we can take at home, at work, and across the city. These actions will help us:

• Lower energy bills
• Support cleaner air
• Ensure more resilient homes and neighbourhoods

Together, these steps build a stronger, more affordable future for Guelph.

Where Does Guelph’s Air Pollution Come From?

Most of Guelph’s air pollution comes from how we get around, heat our buildings, and run businesses. That means the biggest opportunities to make a difference are also close to home.

Here’s the proportion of air pollution by sector:

• Map of Industrial GHG Emissions 2018 – 2022
• Map of Commercial GHG Emissions 2018 – 2022
• Map of Residential GHG Emissions 2018 – 2022

How You Can Help

The most effective actions are often the most practical ones — saving money, improving comfort, or making daily life easier.

Residents

Businesses

Builders

Other Ways You Can Help

There are many simple ways to take action. Many of them save money and make your home more comfortable. Here are some ideas:

See other ways you can help make a difference: guelph.ca/environment.

Climate Resources

For More Information

• Learn what the City is doing to plan for the challenges posed by climate change: Climate Adaptation Plan
• To contact the City’s Energy and Climate Change team, call 519-822-1260 extension 2672 or email [email protected].