Mayor Danny Breen has been named a Clean50 honouree in the Cities category, recognizing his leadership in advancing sustainability and climate action in St. John’s.

This national recognition highlights the City’s progress toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Since 2018, St. John’s has advanced building energy efficiency and oil-to-electric conversions, established the province’s largest municipally owned EV charging network, strengthened partnerships that benefit residents, and made significant strides in sustainable transportation and climate resilience. 

“St. John’s climate progress is clear in its measurable results,” said Gavin Pitchford, CEO of Delta Management Group. “Under Mayor Breen’s leadership, the City has reduced its operational emissions by 22 per cent, retrofitted more than 19 facilities and approved deep energy retrofits for 166 housing units. The City has also built the province’s largest municipally owned EV charging network, increased its focus on sustainable transportation and incorporated climate risk into planning and emergency management. These efforts demonstrate leadership in both reducing emissions and preparing for future climate challenges.”

The Clean50 Awards are presented annually by Delta Management Group to recognize 50 individuals and small teams across 16 categories who have made significant contributions to Canada’s clean economy over the previous two years. Honourees are selected based on measurable accomplishments, innovation, collaboration and their ability to inspire others.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition, but the real credit goes to the people across our organization and community who are working to make St. John’s more sustainable and resilient,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “We’ve made meaningful progress in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and giving people more sustainable ways to get around. There’s still important work ahead, and we’ll continue to build on this progress to reduce our impact on the environment and prepare our city for the challenges of a changing climate.”

Mayor Breen accepted the honour on Thursday, October 15, at the Clean50 Summit 16.0 in Toronto, where current and past honourees gathered to discuss sustainability challenges facing Canada.

For more information about the City’s climate action and sustainability initiatives, visit stjohns.ca/sustainability.