The city plans to spend $1 billion — $1.3 million per bus — plus the added cost of electrical infrastructure and regular replacement of vehicles. Retrofitting buildings might be a wiser investment.

The recent news that the city of Ottawa is looking to spend $1 billion dollars on a fleet of electric buses is welcome.

The urban built environment is responsible for about 75 per cent of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with buildings accounting for 39 per cent of the total emissions. Converting our public transit system to a zero-GHG emissions target is admirable, a great way to take some climate action. And, the impact is visible because we see it on our streets and can hold announcements every time we buy a new fleet.