Alberta Infrastructure says it has surpassed its target for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in government buildings, for savings of more than $3.2 million annually.
The Energy Retrofit Program made improvements to 70 government buildings from 1995-2001, cutting GHG emissions 22 per cent below 1990 levels.
Energy savings came from a variety of measures, including revisions to heating and air conditioning systems and their controls, and lighting modifications. An energy consumption tracking system measures the reductions.
Retrofits are in progress on another 125 Infrastructure-owned buildings, which are expected to bring GHG emission cuts to 26 per cent below 1990 levels by 2005.
The estimated annual savings on the retrofits are projected to be $5.3 million.
The Energy Retrofit Program is part of provincial plans to address climate change. Government leadership and conservation are two major components of the plan.
“This demonstrates our commitment to taking action on climate change,” said Alberta Environment Minister Lorne Taylor. “Reducing the emission levels of large greenhouse gas producers will require agreements with all sectors to gain their commitment and move our plan forward.”
