Energy-efficient building program a hit in Alberta14/09/2004Alberta towns and cities are putting a big dent in their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to a Climate Change Central pilot program to encourage energy-efficient building design and construction. Under the Alberta Plus Initiative, 19 Alberta municipal building projects received $614,000 in grants. Over the next decade, these projects are expected to save more than $3 million in energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 24,000 tonnes. The program, which ended June 30, funded energy-efficient projects ranging from schools in Calgary and Banff to a police station in Edmonton and a seniors' centre in Vegreville. Because of its grant, Mountain View Seniors' Housing complex in Didsbury is now the most energy-efficient commercial building in Alberta. This eco-building, which is 64 per cent more efficient that a standard reference building, is generating over $34,000 a year in energy savings. "We felt it was our responsibility as a not-for-profit organization to generate savings where possible and be environmentally responsible," says Doreen Wilson, Director at Mountain View Seniors Housing. "We are delighted with the final outcome of the building and are very thankful that the grant was available to help us achieve such a high standard of efficiency and incredible energy savings." "This program has spurred innovation in Alberta's building industry and the benefits will continue for years to come," says Allan Amey, President and CEO of Climate Change Central. "When people hear how much a school district or a seniors' centre is saving each year, they're going to want these technologies, too." The initial three-month program was so successful it was extended another three months. Alberta Plus was funded and administered by Energy Solutions Alberta, Climate Change Central's office of energy efficiency. The program has earned Climate Change Central an Energy Efficiency Recognition Award from Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Office of Energy Efficiency. NRCan's Commercial Building Incentive Program provides up to $60,000 for energy-efficient building projects. The Alberta Plus pilot program added a maximum $40,000 grant for Alberta projects. This provided total funding of up to $100,000 for commercial building designs that were at least 25 per cent more energy efficient than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings in Canada. www.energysolutionsalberta.com or http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/cbip For a list of Alberta Plus projects or for more information, contact: Simon Knight, Director Climate Change Central (780) 408-4581 |
