News from June 2012

The ABCs of TDCs

June 28, 2012

So what’s a TDC anyhow?

Traditionally, municipalities have relied on zoning to achieve land use objectives. Transfer of Development Credits (TDC) programs support zoning by allowing landowners in areas designated for conservation to sell credits to developers in areas targeted for growth.

Landowners receive the financial benefit of development for their conserved land while growth is accommodated in target areas. Since TDC programs are completely voluntary, their success depends on ensuring that the price for credits is high enough to make it worthwhile for landowners in the sending areas to forgo development while at the same time ensuring that developers are willing to pay for development.

Putting TDCs to work

Along with land-use zoning, a TDC program encourages development in desirable areas while formally protecting land important for agriculture or environmental services. Landowners in areas designated for conservation sell credits to developers in areas targeted for growth. Brian’s presentation describes TDC principles, the five main steps of TDC approach and anticipated outcomes.

Recently, at the 49th Alberta Soil Science Workshop, Brian Ilnicki, Executive Director of Land Stewardship Centre, provided an overview of the work the Beaver Hills Initiative and its partners are doing east of Edmonton to assess and evaluate the potential for TDCs to be used in land use and conservation planning.

Watch Brian’s presentation on YouTube >>

Learn more about the Beaver Hills Initiative and their TDC project >>

---

Lots to Celebrate During Environment Week

June 5, 2012

Get Involved This Environment Week!

June 3 – June 9, 2012

Around the World

The United Nations declared 2012 to be the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. This year is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of increasing sustainable access to energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy at the local, national, regional and international levels.

Across the Country

Protecting Canada’s natural environment reaps a world of benefits for Canadians, from strengthening the economy to enhancing health and quality of life. Canadian Environment Week is the perfect time to celebrate our achievements and initiatives in tackling climate change and reducing air pollution.

In the Province

Environment Week celebrates Alberta’s environment. It is a great time for Albertans to host and attend events that include some learning, some fun and some action. Action is doing something on purpose to lessen your impact on the environment. Celebrating and action projects are great ways to bring a community together towards a greener future.

Participating in local Environment Week events is a great way to discover easy things you can do for the environment. The choices you make – big and small – really do make a difference because your action counts!

Lots to Do

Learn more about what’s happening across Canada and around Alberta.

---