Did you know that more than 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated within Bow Valley municipal towns are emitted by buildings? Meanwhile, buildings in Canmore contribute to almost 60% of community Greenhouse Gas emissions!
To avert the worst impacts of climate change, the Government of Canada is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving net-zero emissions as a country means our economy either emits no greenhouse gas emissions or offsets its emissions, for example, through actions such as tree planting.
With most of the housing stock being built today still anticipated to be in use in 2050, we must develop new and retrofit existing buildings to as near net zero as possible. A net-zero home is highly energy efficient and generates as much energy as it uses, so the net amount of energy it purchases from the grid is zero.
What are the benefits of energy-efficient buildings?
Energy efficiency is about much more than saving electricity. Indeed, energy-efficient homes and buildings come with many benefits.
Here are a few facts to consider:
Living in an energy-efficient building can lower your heating bills by more than 50%.
Energy-efficient buildings stay more comfortable and safe during a blackout or disaster.
Thirteen jobs are created for every $1 million invested in energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency has direct and indirect benefits to health.
Where does our energy come from?
Historically, Alberta generated the majority of its electricity from coal-fired power plants. As of 2022, 17% of the electricity in Alberta was generated by coal-fired power plants, with an additional 64% coming from natural gas. The remaining 19% was generated from renewable sources, primarily wind. As part of its Climate Leadership Plan, the Government of Alberta has committed to phasing out coal power by 2030.
How can I improve the energy efficiency of my home?
Space and water heating comprise over three-quarters of your home's energy usage. So anything you can do to reduce the energy required from the grid to keep your property warm is critical to lowering your home's carbon footprint.
Rebates and Incentives
Rebates and incentives can help you finance your home upgrades; find more details by clicking here.
Building for Sustainability Symposium
Please join the Bow Valley Builders & Developers Association and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley for the inaugural Building for Sustainability Symposium, a symposium of strategies, solutions and best practices in buildings, infrastructure, and urban planning.
Learn about building or designing retrofits for minimum climate greenhouse gas emissions, and maximum climate resilience, while increasing attainability and affordability - and addressing the requirements of building codes and step codes.
You will hear from diverse voices on how appropriate urban design, land use planning, building location, and density can support environmental, social AND economic sustainability.
Understand how to create a less polarized, more resilient community.
We look forward to hosting you at our premier event!
Give your input!
We need your input! As the Biosphere Institute works towards developing our lending library, we would like to know what sort of items our community most needs.... automotive, tools, hobbies, and house tools are a few examples.
Have your say by emailing resource@biosphereinstitute.org and requesting what you would like to see in the library!
Participants are needed for research on trail-based recreation and wildlife!
Be a part of the solution! Whether you have been living in the Bow Valley for decades or are newer to the area, the University of Alberta is seeking your insights and reflections that will help inform ongoing research about trail-based recreation and wildlife in the Canmore area.
Please complete this 15-minute online survey or scan the QR code below!
Thank you for doing your part to help improve human-wildlife coexistence!
Donate your Refundables!
Don't just recycle it; donate it! We've partnered with SkipTheDepot. Download the app, book a pickup, place your bags and donate your refund directly to the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley. No hassle waste recycling straight to your door!
