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"Community-owned renewable energy projects do more
than reduce emissions and improve reliability. They also
create jobs, foster energy sovereignty, and provide longterm revenue."
Multi-solving solutions—fueled by collaboration—are most e昀昀ective
when co-designed and co-implemented by Indigenous communities,
municipalities, utilities, universities, schools, hospitals, community
leaders, non-pro昀椀ts, and private sector partners. This collaborative,
holistic approach ensures that the net-zero transition not only achieves
its decarbonization goals but also generates co-bene昀椀ts, making it
inclusive, equitable, and meaningful for communities.
Address local priorities to achieve maximum potential
Community energy and emissions planning must re昀氀ect local priorities—
whether that’s a昀昀ordable housing, food sovereignty, reliable winter
roads, or conservation e昀昀orts. When partnerships are co-created—
not just consulted—they can better address interconnected matters of
importance and maximize the potential for multi-solving. Local leaders
hold the knowledge and solutions needed to unlock opportunities that
deliver broad, cross-sector and cross-community bene昀椀ts.
For partnerships to be truly e昀昀ective, they must actively work to address
systemic barriers that hinder community resilience and prosperity. In
Indigenous communities, this means collaborations that recognize
and support self-determination, as well as work to dismantle colonial
systems and injustices.
True partnership involves honouring Indigenous governance structures,
revitalizing traditional knowledge systems, and ensuring that
development initiatives are driven and led by Indigenous Peoples. In rural
and remote communities, it requires responsive partnerships that re昀氀ect
and support each community’s unique needs, values, and priorities—
rather than imposing one-size-昀椀ts-all solutions. When partnerships
intentionally engage in these actions, they create a foundation for
solutions that generate broad co-bene昀椀ts and maximize the potential for
multi-solving across communities.
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • S UM M ER 2 02 5 • P AGE 1 8
