What We Do

Climate change is one of the most critical issues facing the water sector today. The science around mitigation and adaptation for the water sector is complex and constantly evolving. The goal of the OWWA/WEAO Climate Change Committee is to prepare our industry for what lies ahead. We do this by informing OWWA and WEAO members about the most effective ways to integrate climate change into water sector activities. 

The OWWA/WEAO Climate Change Committee gathers and fosters water sector climate expertise in the areas of climate mitigation (reducing GHG emissions) and climate adaptation (preparing for the impacts of climate change). We do this to deliver resources, tools, and best practices to OWWA and WEAO members. Our climate mitigation mandate is to help the water sector understand greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the most effective ways to reduce them. Our climate adaptation mandate is to help the sector prepare for the impacts of climate change in Ontario. 

We are a dedicated group of volunteers who strive to bridge the gaps between water/wastewater engineering, climate science, and GHG accounting. Our vision is for climate change considerations to become embedded in every part of the Ontario water infrastructre cycle. 

Our Meetings

Meetings consist of in person meetings in the OWWA Boardroom in Mississauga and/or teleconferences. 

Climate Action Award 

The OWWA/WEAO Climate Action Award is an annual award that recognizes and acknowledges innovations in infrastructure that adapt to climate change (resilient infrastructure) or reduce climate impacts by significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation). The award is administered by the OWWA/WEAO Climate Change Committee. 

Call for Submissions 

The 2022 Call for Submissions is now closed. 

2021

We are delighted to announce this year's winner of the WEAO/OWWA Climate Change Resiliency & Adaptation Award:  The City of Toronto's Wastewater Energy Transfer Project. 

In partnership with Noventa Energy and the University Health Network, Toronto is delivering the world’s largest raw wastewater energy transfer system.  The project will provide Toronto Western Hospital with 90% of its heating and cooling needs and offset 8,300 tonnes/year of CO₂e.   Wastewater is a massively under-utilized renewable energy source in North America with the potential to create significant GHG emissions reductions by replacing natural gas for space heating.  We are please to recognize this innovative project and hope it will pave the way for others to follow.  Congratulations City of Toronto and partners.

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