Developments in technology and new grant and incentive programs for environmentally friendly technology are making it easier and easier to be green these days.
Homeowners, businesses, and governments are now utilizing a variety of methods to save money while being more environmentally conscientious.
From better design and insulation methods to conserve energy to all out independent power and heat generation using technology such as solar energy, green building is becoming an industry norm.
Here in St. Albert there are a number of examples of all sectors working toward greener living. The City of Edmonton maintains a self-reporting map directory that displays homes around the region using green technology. St. Albert has four properties listed – three residential and one commercial – though it is far from an exhaustive list.
The homes list everything from using solar panels to meeting LEED Gold Standard for energy proofing. On the commercial side, Alberco Construction’s building boasts the third largest solar array in the Edmonton region. The approximately $150,000 system produces enough power to run nine homes or the Alberco office for a year. It also brings the building to nearly net zero for power consumption, meaning it produces almost all its own power.
On the municipal side, while the City of St. Albert does not have a formal policy for sustainable buildings, it does look at constructing its buildings with energy and water efficiency measures. For instance, Fire Hall No. 3, one of St. Albert’s newest buildings, is LEED Gold, according to Mike Mellross, the city’s environmental manager.
Perhaps the most impressive feat in the region was announced earlier this week when Oil Country Engineering announced it had nearly completed its new office building – the Mosaic Centre for Conscious Community and Commerce – which would become the most northerly commercial net zero building in the world.
As green technology becomes more cost effective and more viable it is time more businesses, homeowners and governments follow these examples. While low energy prices and climate might not result in substantial savings, everyone benefits from being more environmentally conscientious.
