About the Community Energy Association

Mission

The Community Energy Association (CEA) supports local governments throughout British Columbia in accelerating the application of energy efficiency and renewable energy in all aspects of community design, infrastructure and community engagement for sustainability.

Vision

Our vision is one where all local governments consider energy in their land use planning and development, infrastructure choices and daily decisions. A widespread ethic evolves that values the efficient use of energy and clean, renewable sources of energy supply. As a result, communities save money, have a stronger economy, enjoy cleaner air, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are more pleasant and vibrant places in which to live.

Audience

CEA's primary audience is elected officials and staff from municipalities, regional districts and First Nations in BC. Our materials are also of interest to developers, consultants and a range of energy stakeholders, as well as to communities across Canada and the rest of North America.

Current Activity

CEA's work encompasses a variety of activities related to planning and implementing energy sustainability. These include:

• Research and Publications on energy-related topics of value to local governments in BC
• Showcasing progress through the Annual Energy Aware Awards and case studies
Outreach to local governments and professional bodies through consultations, presentations, trade shows, dialogue and our website
Provision of a focal point for discussions about BC communities and energy
Advisory services to local governments on integrated energy innovations for community design and local government operations
Program delivery of Green Buildings BC for Local Governments, a building retrofit initiative in partnership with the Fraser Basin Council and the Province of British Columbia for local government buildings

To find out how CEA can support your local government needs, or to arrange a consultation or presentation, please contact us.

Funding Support

CEA gratefully acknowledges a 3-year funding grant from Infrastructure Canada's Knowledge-Building, Outreach and Awareness program toward energy sustainability of community infrastructure in BC.

The project includes preparation of updated planning tools, a renewable energy guide, a funding guide, case studies, workshops, a display and this new website, as well as the provision of support and consultations for interested local governments.

Other project partners include:

Donate Now!

As a non-profit organization, CEA relies on fundraising to conduct our work. The financial assistance we receive strongly influences the kinds of projects we can undertake; it is greatly appreciated

All financial contributions are eligible for charitable tax receipts. To donate, please make your cheque payable to "Community Energy Association" and mail it to:

Community Energy Association
Suite 1400, 333 Seymour St.
Vancouver, BC V6B 5A6

For more information, please see the contact page on this website

Background

This multi-partner association originated in 1993 as an advisory group to the BC Energy Council. In 1995, a Memorandum of Understanding between the British Columbia Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and UBCM recognized the important role of local governments in creating energy efficient communities. Under the MOU, the advisory group was formalized into the BC Energy Aware Committee, with a mandate to raise local government awareness with respect to energy efficiency, community energy planning and relationship building.

In 2003, the committee incorporated as the Community Energy Association, whose board is constituted from member organizations, including governments, transit authorities, utilities and municipal planning organizations. CEA became a Canadian registered charity in 2004.