Greater Halifax recognizes the importance of living in a healthy environment with clean air, land, water, and sustainable energy.
Our region is known worldwide for its leadership role in various environmental industries. For instance, in 1999 Halifax Regional Municipality adopted an ambitious waste management program designed to protect our environment and our quality of life by requiring businesses and residents to separate wet, dry, and recyclable waste.
This led to the creation of Greater Halifax’s Solid Waste Management Program, which is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and advanced programs in North America. Government representatives have visited us from around the world to learn more about how Greater Halifax has significantly cut business and residential waste through our recycling initiatives and our organic composting programs.
In Greater Halifax we realize that in order to build a vibrant city where people want to live, work, and play, having a sustainable environment is of foremost importance. Below are some local entities leading the way:
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
Environmental Management Services (EMS) was created as of January 1, 2003, bringing together several of HRM's environment-related services. EMS includes Solid Waste Management, Environmental Engineering Services, Wastewater Treatment, Harbour Solutions, Sustainable Environmental Management, and Community Projects.
Nova Scotia Power
Nova Scotia Power (NSP) is a leader in renewable energy in Canada. NSP owns and operates one of only three tidal power plants in the world. Nova Scotia Power is also a leader in wind energy, with the most wind turbines installed east of Québec.
Renewable Energy comes from sources such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass, which are replenished naturally and rapidly. By using more of these energy options in our fuel mix, we are adding cleaner, greener sources of electricity.
For more information on renewable energy, check out Nova Scotia Power’s website.
Nova Scotia Environment & Labour
Nova Scotia Environment and Labour works to protect our environment as well as our citizens in their work, home and play environments. The department does this through proactive and responsible planning, regulations and programs.
For more information, please go to Nova Scotia’s Environment and Labour website.