Hamilton to launch first carbon budget in 2027: pilot for city divisions and large capital projects

The City of Hamilton will pilot its first carbon budget starting in 2027, aiming to treat carbon emissions with the same rigor as financial costs. The pilot focuses on select city divisions and capital projects over $250,000, with full implementation planned by 2030. Corporate emissions are estimated at 422,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent, while community-wide emissions are around 53 million tonnes. The budget aligns with Paris Agreement goals to keep warming within 1.5 C and targets net-zero by 2050. A voluntary self-reporting process for residents and businesses is also being developed. Some residents support the move but raised concerns about the use of carbon offsets, arguing they don't work as a substitute for direct emission reductions.