The environmental initiative, a sub-group of the Vehicle Emissions project, was aimed at reducing vehicle emissions to improve Alberta urban air quality.

Based on the B.C. Scrap-it program,  Breathe Easy was a pilot scrappage project run in Calgary. Project objectives were to:

• remove high emitting cars from the road - reduce emissions
• educate the public on emissions
• assess public acceptance of a permanent program

The program

• tested the concept of reducing emissions by scrapping older vehicles
• tested the effect of the communications activities on public response
• had many contributors and stakeholders
• targeted Calgary’s 100,000 older vehicles

Reports

The Breathe Easy final report and recommendations was approved in March 2003.

RWDI West Inc. was retained to review, and report on, the effectiveness of the Breathe Easy pilot in reducing vehicular emissions in Alberta.

The Breathe Easy – Calgary Vehicle Scrappage Program operated in conjunction with the Calgary Kidney Car Program and Calgary Pick Your Part. Qualifying vehicles were completely recycled and scrapped at Calgary Pick Your Part according to environmental guidelines. It had several partners including Calgary Transit, the Alberta Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA), Calgary Motor Dealers Association, the federal and provincial governments and the Kidney Foundation.

Sponsors

Related information

• Awareness
• Driving tips
• Quick facts
• Vehicle maintenance tips

If you’d like more information, please email casa@casahome.org.