Targets and Progress

The City of Saskatoon's Climate Action Commitment 

Consistent with our strategic goal of Environmental Leadership, the City signed on to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) in November 2015. This international pact commits the City of Saskatoon to take action on both the causes and effects of climate change by reducing emissions and building resiliency plans for Saskatoon’s infrastructure and services. There are currently 63 Canadian signatories to GCoM.

Carbon Reduction Targets 

In 2023, City Council approved a greenhouse gas (GHG), or carbon reduction, target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Achieving net-zero emissions means balancing emitted greenhouse gases with emissions removal. The carbon reduction targets established in the Climate Action Strategy are outlined below:

Reducing Carbon Emissions

The purpose of the Net-Zero Transformation Playbook (Climate Action Strategy) is to guide Saskatoon towards net-zero carbon pollution by 2050. The Playbook is categorized into seven net-zero transformation goals to first reduce and, once all other measures have been implemented, remove carbon, as follows:

• Enhance energy efficiency with BETTER HOMES & BUILDINGS
• Expand low and zero-emission ENERGY GENERATION
• Support diverse ZERO-EMISSION TRANSPORTATION options
• Reduce landfill emissions through WASTE REDUCTION
• CONSERVE WATER to reduce associated energy use
• Conserve, enhance, and grow our GREEN NETWORK

After all possible measures have been taken, unavoidable emissions can be offset…

• Explore CARBON REMOVAL

   

GHG Modelling and Cost Analysis

GHG emissions modelling informs the Net-Zero Transformation Playbook (GHG Emissions Modelling - Technical Analysis, January 2026). The modelling analysis projects how the City can achieve carbon pollution reduction by implementing the actions within this plan that have quantifiable GHG reductions. Modelling is not predictive, but it is used to help prioritize actions and understand gaps for achieving targets.

A marginal abatement cost analysis, which compares the relative cost-effectiveness of different types of carbon reduction measures also inform this work (GHG Reduction Measures - Financial Analysis, February 2026).

Tracking Our Progress 

You can track our progress in the 2023 Climate Action Progress Report. 

To meet Saskatoon’s net-zero target and manage our resources and waste more effectively, we’re working to reduce emissions in several critical sectors: 

• Buildings and energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of civic and community buildings by making upgrades to insulation, windows, and heating/cooling systems.
• Energy Generation: Switching to renewable and low-emissions energy where possible.
• Transportation: Electrifying the City's fleet, creating infrastructure for active transportation, and encouraging use of public transit.
• Land use: Increasing density of our neighbourhoods and increasing the share of multi-unit housing.
• Waste management: Diverting waste away from the landfill (food and yard waste create emissions as they break down in the landfill).
• Water conservation: Reducing potable water use (water takes energy to treat and pump).