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Energy Conservation
The impacts of human activity on our planet are becoming more widely accepted and realized. Much of the detriment seen to our planet can be attributed to a surge in energy demands over the last century. Specifically, the combustion of oil, gas and coal, commonly referred to as fossil fuels due to their prehistoric beginnings, are believed to be the leading culprits of environmental degradation. If our energy consumption patterns continue, inevitably the state of our environment will be bleak for future generations. How can you help mitigate this problem? Reduce your energy consumption! There are a variety of ways to conserve energy.
High Efficiency Appliances & Electrical Products
Purchasing high efficiency (HE) appliances and electrical products is a great way to reduce your energy consumption. The production of HE products is a relatively new phenomenon and if any appliances in your home are more than ten years old, it is likely they are using more energy than would be required by a newer product.
Average Annual Energy Consumption of New Major Appliances (in kWh/year) Based on Year of Manufacture
| 1990 | 1997 | 2001 | 2010 | |
| Refrigerators | ||||
| Standard top-mounted (16.5 – 18.4 cu. Ft.) | 1044 | 664 | 572 | 427 |
| ENERGY STAR qualified | - | - | 440 | 369 |
| Dishwashers | ||||
| Standard | 1026 | 649 | 634 | 310 |
| ENERGY STAR qualified | - | - | 534 | 309 |
| Clothes Washers | ||||
| Standard top-loading | 1218 | 930 | 905 | 319 |
| ENERGY STAR qualified | - | - | 304 | 148 |
| Freezers | ||||
| Standard chest | 658 | 342 | 337 | 295 |
| Ranges (30-inch) | ||||
| Self-cleaning | 727 | 759 | 741 | 530 |
| Non-self-cleaning | 786 | 780 | 786 | 499 |
(Above adapted from Natural Resources Canada [2009])
Interested in learning more about high efficiency products in Canada? The following are some helpful websites that might be of interest to you:
- Energy Star
- Natural Resources Canada
- Natural Resources Canada Energy Cost Calculator for New Appliances
- Natural Resources Canada Product Comparison Tool
Renewable Energy
Electricity can be generated by renewable resources or non-renewable resources. Water, solar and wind are examples of renewable sources of energy that will always be available to us. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are finite. Coal, oil and gas are types of non-renewable sources of energy. Currently, we are a fossil fuel-dependant society. Due to the uncertainty of fossil fuel availability in the future and the realization that the burning of fossil fuels have serious negative environmental consequences, it is necessary to look towards renewable sources for electricity generation. Switching to renewable energy doesn’t have to be a difficult process and there are a number of options available to you:
- Purchase renewable energy:
- Companies like Bullfrog Power now offer an opportunity for consumers to purchase 100% renewably sourced energy. Bullfrog Power uses locally sourced wind and hydro energy sources exclusively to generate electricity. According to Bullfrog Power’s website, greening the average home in Alberta would cost less than $1.50 a day. To learn more about Bullfrog Power or to sign up to green power your home visit the Bullfrog Power website.
- Renewable-Energy Certificates (RECs): sold in kWh or MWh, RECs represent the qualities of renewably sourced energy. Although RECs are not technically electricity, purchasing RECs provide similar environmental benefits to purchasing renewable-sourced electricity. Profits made from RECs are used to support new and existing renewable energy facilities. In May 2012, Parkland County was awarded a REC for purchasing 506,005 kWh of green power.
- Generate renewable energy:
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems: sometimes referred to as solar panels, PVs harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity and can be installed on buildings or in open spaces.
- Wind turbines: use the wind’s energy to generate electricity. Not surprisingly, wind turbines are best situated in unobstructed areas with frequent wind.
Visit the Pollution Probe website to learn more about how to acquire green power in Alberta.
Commercial Energy Savings
Relying on green power is not only available to residences - there are also opportunities for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings to lessen their fossil fuel derived electricity demand. An energy performance contract (EPC) is one way companies can improve their energy efficiency with no upfront cost. Energy services companies such as Honeywell Building Solutions assess a building’s energy performance and makes efficiency recommendations accordingly. The energy savings made are then used to pay the energy services company. To learn more about EPCs with Honeywell click HERE.
For more information please contact Parkland County’s Sustainability Services at 780-968–8888 ex. 8261 or ex. 8270
