Following the lead of the B.C. government, Vancouver council has voted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city, by 33 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.
The targets are the same as those set for the province.
Councillors said most of the cuts will come in new developments in the rapidly growing city.
"The challenge we have in the City of Vancouver is that we're not a manufacturing city, and so we have to cut it by building smarter as opposed to changing the emissions from a large factory, for instance like a pulp mill," said Coun. Heather Deal.
"So yes, there's a larger challenge, but we also are in a huge growth phase right now, so that gives us the opportunity to build smarter."
Coun. Raymond Louie said cities can be a leader in the green movement.
"Cities have been leading across North America. When, for instance, President [George W.] Bush refused to take up the challenge in the United States, it was the cities in the United States that took up the challenge."
The new targets are also the same as those recommended at the World Mayors Council on Climate Change.
