The Net Zero Strategy triggers new and accelerated implementation actions to drive down community-wide emissions, particularly in the short term, and establishes the trajectory needed to reach net zero by 2040. The Strategy also sets an additional interim GHG emissions reduction target for Toronto: 45 per cent by 2025, from 1990 levels.

With the adoption of the Net Zero Strategy, the City’s GHG reduction targets, from 1990 levels, are:

• 30 per cent by 2020
• 45 per cent by 2025
• 65 per cent by 2030
• net zero by 2040

Meeting the City’s future GHG reduction targets requires rapid action to scale up existing programs, additional authorities for the City to implement effectively, and significant levels of investment and coordination with other levels of government.

The Strategy identifies actions and targets to be achieved by 2030 in key sectors, including buildings, transportation and waste. Toronto’s community-wide emissions must be cut in half in the next 10 years to meet the 2030 target of a 65 per cent emissions reduction.

To reach its targets, the City will use its influence to regulate, advocate and facilitate transformation in five key areas:

• Demonstrate carbon accountability locally and globally, by establishing a carbon budget for its own operations and the community as a whole.
• Accelerate a rapid and significant reduction in natural gas use.
• Establish performance targets for existing buildings across Toronto.
• Increase access to low-carbon transportation options, including walking, biking, public transit and electric vehicles.
• Increase local renewable energy to contribute to a resilient, carbon-free grid.