Investment: Ongoing Operational expense
The aim is to increase the number of trees planted in the city
through volunteer participation and education. This initiative
includes already-underway programs plus the addition of specific
tree planting festivals.
Investment: Ongoing Operational expense
The City has begun assessing the potential effects of climate
change on its urban forest canopy. The plan is to
change survival statistics by testing different tree-planting
and -replacement programs to anticipate which trees will
survive in the wetter, warmer climate anticipated for the
Edmonton of the future.
The speaker series is offered by Sustatainable Development and Environment in support of the environmental strategic plan for the City. Speakers cover all facets of the numerous action plans proposed in the strategy (The Way We Green "http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_vision_and_strategic_plan/the-way-we-green.aspx". This is an ongoing long term educational initiative. The public is invited to learn about a variety of topics realted to urban resiliance and sustainability design, climate change science.
Read More Read LessThe Small Business Eco Challenge celebrates the environmental achievements of small businesses operating in Edmonton. Entries are judged within the six categories included in the City's environmental strategic plan The Way We Green:*Energy and Climate Change *Food Resiliency: protection of local food supply or agriculture *Solid Waste Reduction *Land Conservation and Biodiversity *Water Quality Protection and Conservation *Air Quality ***Only for-profit enterprises within the city of Edmonton that have been in operation for year or more qualify for the challenge. Winners are selected on the basis of overall environmental performance. *First Prize $500 Cash *Second $300 Cash *Third $100 Cash. Challenges: Encourage corporate community to get involved with environmental initiatives, through the offerring of an awards and recognition program.
Read More Read Less"Community leaders in waste reduction" Master Composter Recyclers are volunteers who help reduce Edmonton's waste. They know about recycling, composting, grasscycling and more. Master Composter Recyclers: complete a 40-hour course; volunteer at least 35 hours ;teach friends and neighbours what they learned
Read More Read LessComprehensive household hazardous waste drop off centres throughout Edmonton (three sites). Bring your household hazardous waste such as needles/syringes, leftover paint, light bulbs, oven cleaner and car batteries at no charge!** Bring your electrical appliances, old computer monitors, toasters, printers, power tools, etc. at no charge (Charges apply to items requiring CFC removal)** Bring your big bulky items like old sofas, fencing and rubble, anything you might take to a landfill. (Charges apply). **Bring your household recyclables such as newspaper, metal cans, milk jugs, old clothing and textiles, and more!
Read More Read Less15. Through a partnership with energy consultants and the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on six community association buildings. The participating associations invested between $6,000 and $11,000 for the necessary PV panels and hardware (depending on system requirements), as well as an electronic monitor that displays how much electricity is produced. Participants could also take advantage of energy audits through TAME (Taking Action to Manage Energy), a building retrofit program offered through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC).
Read More Read LessLandfill waste in Edmonton has been diverted to a composting
facility since 2001. The CO2 reduction is based upon what
would have been emitted if the waste that was composted
were instead sent to a landfill. The calculation meets the reporting
protocols in our jurisdiction, accounting for the energy inputs
into composting and the emissions from the composting
process itself, further discounting this value by 10% to account
for methane oxidation through the landfill cover.
Encourage the adoption of renewable energy generation within the City of Edmonton.
Read More Read Less3. Improve the energy efficiency of 3% of the existing building infrastructure each year, by 30% instead of an anticipated historic average from retrofits of 20%. Not all the money has been allocated to this initiative in the budgets. We only have $5 million in the form of an internal loan that can be used for this initiative at this stage. Projects are currently under review so no reductions will be realized in 2013. the goal is to reduce emissions by 26,000 TCO2e by 2020 from the entire building inventory.
Read More Read LessAdvancement of regional air quality management and monitoring through the improvement of one of the continuous monitoring stations in west Edmonton so that it reports the Air Quality Health Index in that area. Also, the City of Edmonton participated in the soon to be released development of the Regional Particulate Matter Response plan which contains actions designed to better understand air quality in the region and eventually reduce PM2.5 below national triggers outlined in the National Air Quality Management System and the Capital Region Air Quality Management Framework.
Read More Read Less4. Improve the energy efficiency standard for new construction to 50% above the national model energy code for buildings from our present 30% standard.
Read More Read Less17. In July 2011, the Province of Alberta, in partnership with Environment Canada, launched the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). The AQHI is a tool that assesses the impact of air pollution on your health, listing a number from 1 to 10+ to indicate the level of immediate health risk associated with local air quality. The higher the number, the greater the risk and your need to take precautions. The AQHI reports this information in near-real time as well as provides a forecast for the next day.
Read More Read LessThe City of Edmonton introduced a pilot project in 2010 to encourage the uptake of solar PV in the City. From a $200,000 fund, the pilot paid $3/watt of installed capacity to a maximum of $9000 for single solar-electric systems in residential homes and $18,000 for commercial installations.All proposed projects were subject to basic technology and installation standards to ensure they would be operating at high efficiency. The pilot project rapidly achieved full subscription and will be used to help inform renewable energy funding projects moving forward.
Read More Read Less6. Upgrade composting facility opertations to improve energy efficiency performance to 30% above basic energy efficiency base standard instead of 20%. Bulk of upgrades completed in 2012. 20% has already been achieved. Remaining 10% yet to be accomplished by 2020.
Read More Read LessEdmonton Solar-Electric Pilot Program - In response to greater demand for responsive technologies and focused approaches to reducing CO2 emissions, the City of Edmonton introduced a short-term solar-electric pilot program that offered a limited number of rebates for home and business owners interested in installing solar-electric systems to generate electricity. This program is now closed.
Read More Read LessClimate Change Conference sponsored by the City of Edmonton bringing together internationally recognized speakers for a three day event to address the public on the climate change issues of the day.
Read More Read LessUsing cutting edge processes and equipment, the 45,000 square foot Global Electric and Electronic Processing Inc. (GEEP) facility processes more than 30,000 tonnes per year of old computers, televisions, and a wide range of electrical and electronic waste materials for recycling.
Read More Read Less2. The purchase of renewable energy certificates supports the expansion of the renewable energy generation sector by indicating commitment, and reduces overall corporate inventory emissions by displacing the coal fired weighted portion of electricity generated on the grid used by our City. In 2016 the City purchased 92,267 MWh of green energy the equivalent of displacing roughly 72,891 TCO2e from our emissions inventory for 2016.
Read More Read Less5. Replace high pressure sodium vapour roadway lighting with LED lighting by 2017 on an accelerated time basis. Otherwise install on regular neighbourhood upgrade basis (slower rate of conversion - to 2032)
Read More Read Less14. Developed the Green Building Policy and Plan and initiated implementation which has included the development and release of Edmonton's Green Home Guide, the development and implementation of energy efficiency improvement grants in two pilot communities (Oxford and Caernarvan), and the development of a Energy Labelling program to be implemented in 2015
Read More Read LessThe pilot consists of installing 200 solar panels on the roof of Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool. The panels convert sunlight into usable electricity and help significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decrease energy consumption at the facility. This initiative is another tool used to support the newly Council-endorsed Community Energy Transition Plan (ETP) whose goal is to limit our city’s negative impact on the environment.
Read More Read LessThe facility is the first of its kind to produce paper products from waste paper and cotton without using any new material or harsh chemicals. At maximum operating levels, Greys will provide approximately 100 permanent jobs.
Read More Read LessTimeframe: Ongoing
Investment: Ongoing Capital /Operational
The aim is to encourage a shift from private automobile to
walking, cycling and transit use by infrastructure improvements
and social marketing, as directed in the Transportation
Master Plan:t In 2011:
• 4.5 km of sidewalk and Shared Use Pathways “missing
links” constructed
• 20 km of on-street cycling facilities implemented
• 15 bus stops connected
• 250 curb ramps repaired
• Sponsored community events to promote sustainable
transportation and developed trail maps for our communities
and river valley.
Home Opportunities Program Edmonton (HOPE): The City of Edmonton’s HOPE program offers energy audits and recommended energy efficiency upgrades through a grant program supported by City Environmental Strategies. The energy audits, valued at $500 for pre- and post, plus $2,000 toward upgrades means a $2,500 grant for each home. In 2015, 42 homeowners were provided with grants for energy efficiency upgrades. Average pre-audit rating is 56 and average post-intervention rating is 64. In 2016, 39 homeowners were provided with grants for energy efficiency upgrades. Average pre-audit rating is 67 and average post-intervention rating is 74, for an average overall improvement in energy efficiency of 7. Total expenditures for the C02RE program in 2106 was around CDN$47,000. This program was closed off at end of 2016 due to its low level of participants from the community. Challenge: Low income households were encouraged to participate in energy conservation upgrades through this grant program. It unfortunately did not draw a large participation rate and was cancelled.
Read More Read LessEdmonton’s Waste to Biofuels and Chemicals Facility is the first industrial scale waste to biofuels facility of its kind to turn household garbage into biofuels and biochemicals.
Read More Read Less18. Our team engages the public in established events that take place annually around the city to offer utility conservation and waste reduction tips from our event tent venue. In 2013 over 1200 people were reached through such contact opportunities. Events include: Kid Wind Challenge, Earth Day, River Day, Millwoods bikefest, Central Station, CanadaDay, East Meets West, Farmer's markets, Parking Day.
Read More Read Less16. Development of the State of Environment report which includes indicators and performance metrics designed to report on the overall condition of Edmonton's environment and the advancement of the City of Edmonton's programs designed to improve the local and global environment. The State of Environment report utilizes the Citizen Dashboard combined with a dynamic on-line reporting tool that includes easy to read infographics and charts and data tables that can be updated as new information becomes available.
Read More Read Less19. To recognize the many environmental champions of our corporation, the City of Edmonton has created the Charles Labatiuk Award for Environmental Excellence. The award categories are: environmental leadership, environmental innovation and continuous environmental improvement. The award is named in honour of the late Charles Labatiuk, Ph.D., P.Eng. Charles was a longtime employee of the City of Edmonton and a passionate environmentalist. His many accomplishments included a key role in the development and implementation of the Waste Management Branch's ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Read More Read LessHome$avers Event Annual Home$avers event in partnership with RONA (a hardware Store chain in Canada) and EPCOR (local utility provider) provides citizens the opportunity to purchase energy efficient products at deep discounts. In 2015, the result was a potential estimated reduction of 281 tonnes of community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2016 the crowds were lined up three hours before the 7 AM opening time of the store. In 2017 the provincial government of Alberta took over the incentive portion of the energy efficiency program. This event was designed to encourage the public to purchase energy savings equipment.
Read More Read LessAlberta's Climate Change Advisory Panel is engaging Albertans, Aboriginal communities, and technical stakeholders on key issues related to climate change.
They will facilitate conversations, consider input, and provide advice to Alberta's Minister of Environment and Parks.
Input from the Panel will inform a new action plan on climate change for Alberta.
Generate a map of the community at the finest level of granularity that will show energy intensity for various sectors such as residential, and commercial,...to use as an aid in helping identify which areas of the community could best benefit from energy efficiency measures programmes.
Read More Read Less
9. Edmonton’s Waste-to-Biofuels and Chemicals Facility is the first industrial scale waste-to-biofuels facility in the world to turn household garbage into biofuels and biochemicals.. The facility was built and is owned and operated by Enerkem Alberta Biofuels, a subsidiary of Enerkem. Using Enerkem's proprietary technology, it will convert 100,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste into 38 million litres of biofuels and chemicals annually and help Alberta reduce its GHG emissions. (Waste-based biofuels can reduce GHG emissions by more than 60% when compared with fossil fuel production and landfill operations.)
Read More Read LessThe piloting of a Neighborhood Action Program Grant that assists groups in developing a program to advance Edmonton's sustainability. Grant examples have included a micro-orchard, a solar photovoltaic installation, and a Bike repair station. This program is continuing under our Community Sustainability Grants program.
Read More Read LessRelease of the updated Brownfield Grant program. The Brownfield Grant assists landowners and developers remediate contaminated property and redevelop them to a more productive land use. The remediation portion of this grant is linked to the projected tax lift and in order to receive complete funding the resulting development must meet a Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) level of silver which further enhances the sustainability objectives of The Way We Green. Challenges: Contaminated sites are underutilitized properties in the City which can also be a blight on the neighbourhood. Public participation is encouraged to restore such sites through this grant program which would otherwise not be developed.
Read More Read Less1. Since 1992, the Clover Bar Landfill has been mined to produce electricity from landfill gas. Enough gas is captured each year to satisfy the electricity demands of approximately 4,600 homes. To date, over 101 gas wells have been drilled into the landfill's decomposing waste. In 2005 Epcor built smaller generators next to the Landfill Gas Recovery Plant. The new generators are able to supply 4.6 megawatts of electricity into the electricity grid, again, enough to power over 4,600 homes annually.
Read More Read Less7. Sustainable Fleet Long Term Action Plan adopted in 2010 is being implemented including : federally mandated biofuel use, right sizing, hybrid purchases, driver education, upgrading waste management vhicles, and idle control measures. Measures have not yet been updated or confirmed.
Read More Read Less11. Blatchford Redevelopment: The purpose of this project is to transform 535 acres in the heart of Edmonton into one of the world’s largest sustainable communities. The neighbourhood will create an opportunity for 30,000 residents to live a unique and sustainable lifestyle. Driven by City Council’s vision to create a community that significantly reduces its ecological footprint and empowers residents to pursue sustainable lifestyle choices, Blatchford is a leading-by-example opportunity to showcase Edmonton’s commitment to becoming an energy sustainable city. The community will incorporate best practices for sustainable urban design including increasing density; prioritizing design that promotes walking, cycling or transit; creating a mix of housing, retail, commercial and public spaces; and incorporating significant park and green spaces. On December 8, 2016, City Council approved the community energy strategy, including the framework for a renewable energy utility that will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable the effective use of energy. The plan relies on the following three strategies: o Conservation: All buildings in Blatchford will incorporate green building features to reduce the amount of energy required. o Efficiency: An ambient district energy sharing system (DESS) will provide heating, cooling and domestic hot water for the buildings in Blatchford. It will be capable of sharing energy between buildings, neighbourhoods and seasons, significantly reducing overall energy demand. o Renewables: The use of on-site renewable energy sources including geo-exchange, solar PV and sewer heat exchange. Next Steps: After years of necessary planning, design, engineering and site preparation work, construction for the first residential stage and a section of the central park starts in spring 2017. The first stage will see approximately 250 units (townhomes and condos) built.
Read More Read Less13. The primary goals are to:
Read More Read Less10. Over the next 5, 10, and 20 years, the area will be transformed into a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community well connected to the central business and cultural district and the river valley. Once completed, The Quarters Downtown will be an environmentally-sustainable, walkable, diverse community with appealing design, inclusive housing, and green spaces. The area currently houses about 2,400 residents; however, it has abundant room for growth and redevelopment with the capacity to accommodate up to 20,000 people. Developments in this community will use industry-leading technologies to reduce environmental footprints while providing excellent design and innovative lifestyle options.
Read More Read Less8. Double the forest canopy of the inventoried trees in the City of Edmonton (trees over which the City has control - e.g. roughly 300,000 boulevard trees) This is part of a larger plan to double the entire city canopy of 13 million trees which is to be done in the community of Edmonton with the help of corporate partners. This is an acceleration program that has not yet been sponsored by the City. Regular tree planting rates will double the canopy by a much later date of roughly 50 years (300,000/6000 net/yr).
Read More Read Less12. The Animal Care's sustainable construction features include: Building materials manufactured with post consumer and pre-consumer recycled content. Geothermal heating and cooling, and digital climate controls, which reduce conventional energy consumption by more than 50%. 90% of all construction waste recycled to divert it from the landfill. Light sensors and skylights that reduce the need for artificial lighting. Landscaping with indigenous and drought-tolerant plants that do not require watering or an irrigation system. Shielded and downward pointing exterior light fixtures to avoid light pollution. Learn more in the presentation about the facility's design in the LEED presentation Link.
Read More Read LessInvestment: Ongoing Operational expense
The aim is to increase the number of trees planted in the city
through volunteer participation and education. This initiative
includes already-underway programs plus the addition of specific
tree planting festivals.
Investment: Ongoing Operational expense
The City has begun assessing the potential effects of climate
change on its urban forest canopy. The plan is to
change survival statistics by testing different tree-planting
and -replacement programs to anticipate which trees will
survive in the wetter, warmer climate anticipated for the
Edmonton of the future.
More frequest severe flooding events need to be managed through a preventative infrastructure improvement investment. In 2004 an extreme rainfall event created massive flooding
problems throughout Edmonton. In response, the City
Council approved a $146 million flood prevention program.
Flood prevention projects are ongoing, starting as far back as 2007. Participating organizations: Insurance Bureau of Canada
Edmontonians are the key to successfully making our city sustainable and resilient. To find out what’s happening, and how you can participate and tell your friends take a look at what we have to offer! Love Green Residents
Programs, tips and ideas to be a resident that loves green!
Love Green Communities
Programs, tips and ideas to be a community that loves green!
Commercial Programs
Programs, tips and ideas to be a business that loves green!
Financial Incentives
A list of financial incentives for residents, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors in the Edmonton area.
The Way Others Green
People around the world are doing inspiring things to make our world a greener place.
Environmental Events & Awards
Find out what environmental events are happening. Or nominate someone for an environmental award!
Green Education
Eco-focused guides, resources, opportunities and links.
The Development of the River for Life strategy to reduce the Total Loadings to the North Saskatchewan River. Multiple levels fo government and stakeholders were involved in the development of this strategy. Challenges: Keeping our water supply clean and healthy. Public education and participation.
Read More Read Less20. Between 2004 and 2006, the City fostered the creation of a local land trust, which resulted in six partners (the Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Nature Club, Legacy Lands Conservation Society, Land Stewardship Centre of Canada, Urban Development Institute and the City) coming together in 2006 to form the Edmonton and Area Land Trust. That year, the City provided an operational endowment of $2.5 million to the fledgling organization.
Read More Read LessThe Edmonton Master Naturalist Program engages community members in learning about and stewarding local natural areas. Program participants take a 3-week course, held annually, in exchange for 35 hours of related volunteer work. Edmonton's natural areas have tremendous ecological, social, educational and economic value. To preserve this value, it is up to us as a community to be good stewards of these ecologically-rich areas! It directly engages the public through a volunteer mecahnism to get involved in sustainable community activities. Education - getting people voluntarily involved with sustainable activity related to preserving and nurturing natural areas.
Read More Read LessMayor Don IvesonCity of Edmonton, AB, Canada
