Blog

  • Energy Efficiency Alberta

    Energy Efficiency Alberta (EEA) is dedicated to raising awareness about energy use and the promotion, design and delivery of programs supporting energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development of micro-generation and small-scale energy systems in Alberta. EEA’s work spans multiple industries and public institutions across the province. They support emerging technologies and financing tools that…


  • First Canadian Municipal Long Range Electric Buses

    In 2017, St. Albert became the first municipality in Canada to own a fleet of long-range electric buses. Mayor Cathy Heron, who served as a councillor from 2009 until being elected mayor in 2017, says the move fits in with residents’ concerns for the environment. “They would have pushed us if we hadn’t gone down…


  • Protecting Edmonton’s Urban Forest During Neighborhood Renewal

    Edmonton’s Neighborhood Renewal program is a longterm approach to replacing and upgrading urban infrastructure within individual neighborhoods in a focused, integrated process. Upgrades include underground drainage, streetlights, curb/sidewalk replacement, and road reconstruction, all within the same construction season. While this process provides certain efficiencies, it is extremely stressful on adjacent trees, particularly mature trees providing…


  • Natural Asset Mapping: A strong tool for effective local and regional conservation planning, protection and stewardship

    With the release of the Government of Alberta’s Primary Land and Vegetation Inventory (PLVI) in 2010, over 75% of rural Alberta was described by this and other provincial land-cover inventories. While the project mapped rural parts of the province, densely populated urban areas were simply classified as combinations of residential or industrial development and neglected…


  • Change Homes for Climate: Edmonton’s EnerGuide Residential Labeling Program

    Edmonton’s residential labeling program helps Edmontonians understand the energy performance of a home and obtain expert advice on how to make it more energy efficient and comfortable. But Edmonton’s program goes beyond the individual home, as the labeling system allows for comparisons between homes so the market can make informed decisions. The program consists of…


  • Riel Park Redevelopment Project

    A 10-year project to reclaim and revitalize marginal municipal land—the largest project of its kind in St. Albert’s history—has become an opportunity to enhance a former landfill with sports and recreational facilities, protect the Sturgeon River and to put the City’s natural environment pillar of sustainability into action. Riel Park went from a sewage lagoon…


  • Working Well

    For 10 years, Working Well has been educating some of the estimated 100,000 Alberta households that rely on water wells for drinking water about well design and construction, operation, protection and maintenance. From farmers and ranchers to acreage and recreational property owners, Working Well’s efforts insure that rural Albertans who rely on groundwater have a…


  • E2 Street Lighting Program

    We all know about the savings that come from switching out home light bulbs in hanging fixtures and lamps to LED, so imagine what can be saved when an entire city retrofits street lights with LED luminaires? That’s just what Calgary has done with a four-year, $32 million project, laying claim to the largest LED…


  • Root For Trees

    Root for Trees, an enhanced tree planting program, works to preserve and expand Edmonton’s urban forest through partnerships with corporations, community groups, and individual residents. Edmontonians are invited to participate in tree-planting events where they are provided with all the materials required for an exciting and educational day in nature. Volunteer groups involved in planting…


  • Muttart Conservatory Rain Water Harvesting for Irrigation and Plant Health

    The Rainwater Harvesting Project endeavors to raise awareness and build credibility relating to plant irrigation. Showcased at the Muttart Conservatory, harvested rainwater is stored in cisterns under ebb and flow tables for the purpose of indoor irrigation to greenhouses and public gardens. The outcomes support the City of Edmonton’s strategy to reduce potable water demand…