The District is committed to reducing GHGs in daily operations as well as policies and procedures.
Corporate Waste
Running a government organization inevitably generates waste. We are constantly analyzing the production of waste and implementing the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy into our daily operations. Here's some examples:
- Analysis of corporate solid waste flow has resulted in higher levels or waste diversion and/or efficiencies in waste management services.
- Paper purchased for printers is minimum 50 per cent recycled content and group printers have been set to print double-sided by default.
- Efforts being made to identify areas of District operations where the generation of waste can be reduced.
- Increased efforts to recycle non-standard waste from garbage at District facilities.
- Existing waste bins have been replaced by more effective waste stations that allow for food waste and include signage and colours that align with residential recycling programs.
- Expanded tracking and reporting of material consumption and corporate solid waste generation.
Facility Operations
The District is committed to reducing GHGs in daily operations as well as policies and procedures:
- Development of a Strategic Energy Management Plan (SEMP) has led to improved management of electricity and natural gas use in the District’s buildings.
- Ongoing optimization of systems that control heating and cooling in buildings is resulting in significant reduction in energy consumption.
- Higher energy use lights have been converted to LED lighting in the Seniors’ Activity Centre, Aquatic Centre, Operations Centre, and Gleneagles and Main Community Centres.
- Ongoing awareness campaigns for staff and the public related to energy use and solid waste.
- Adoption of more energy efficient technologies where available when replacing older equipment.
- Ongoing conversion of ornamental streetlights to LED.
- Enhanced tracking and reporting of corporate energy use.
Fleet & Transportation
Hybrid and electric vehicles, efficient driving techniques, and staff carpooling are all methods the District is using to reduce corporate GHGs in transportation.
- Hybrid and electric vehicles are considered as options for on-going fleet replacement for high-use vehicles.
- Replacement fleet vehicles are reduced in engine size where possible providing they still meet operational requirements
- Efficient driving techniques and analysis of operational vehicle trips to reduce fuel use and vehicle emissions
- Anti-idling policy and on-going staff education for District vehicles.
- Shower facilities and bike storage is available at the largest worksites to encourage staff to bike to work.
- Level 2 Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Municipal Hall and Gleneagles and Main Community Centres to encourage adoption of electric vehicle technology.
- Enhanced tracking and reporting of corporate vehicle trips and fleet GHG emissions.
Whyte Lake Park Dedication
Several departments at the District worked on developing carbon credits that resulted from the protection of forests in Whyte Lake Park.
Those credits allow the District to be carbon neutral with respect to corporate activities for several years while we work on reducing absolute emissions.