Lacombe County has taken strides towards energy efficiency and cost savings by holding an energy audit of its administration building and wrapping up retrofits at its public works shop.
These initiatives, supported by the Government of Alberta and the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) through the Community Energy Conservation Program, align with the county's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, noted a release.
The energy audit, conducted by Sustainable Projects Group (SPG), analyzed the administration building’s energy consumption and identified measures to improve efficiency and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The audit showed the building’s energy use could be improved by implementing recommendations such as upgrading equipment, improving insulation, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.
The public works shop retrofits also addressed key energy efficiency opportunities including:
• all exterior lighting was converted to LED fixtures, reducing energy consumption by an estimated 46,297 kWh annually—equivalent to $6,087.73 in savings.
• seals on 21 overhead bay doors were replaced, contributing to an estimated annual savings of $3,278.65 and achieving a lifetime greenhouse gas reduction of over 640 tonnes across both measures.
“Lacombe County is taking proactive steps to reduce our environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency,” said Barb Shepherd, reeve of Lacombe County. “These projects underscore our commitment to sustainability and demonstrate to our citizens how local governments can lead by example.”
The county is joining a growing number of municipalities across Alberta that are taking steps to bolster energy efficiency and reduce emissions, said Trina Innes, executive director at the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.
"By investing in these upgrades, the county is demonstrating leadership in sustainability and showcasing how local governments can drive climate action."
