Today, in front of the living wall at the City Hall Galleria, Mayor Karen Farbridge accepted rebate cheques totalling $47,612 from Guelph Hydro and Union Gas for an extensive energy audit program conducted earlier this year.
In total, 13 City facilities including City Hall, the River Run Centre, the Sleeman Centre, the main library branch, Centennial Park Arena, the transit facility and recreation centres were audited to evaluate how electricity, gas and water is being used and determine opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
The energy audits identified more than 100 electricity, gas and water conservation projects. These projects will require an investment of $3.3 million spread over the next three years but will result in a 5.9 per cent reduction in energy, worth more than $400,000 a year in avoided costs to the Corporation and tax payer, accumulating to $7 to $11 million over the next 10 years.
The rebates received by the City are available to businesses under two programs:
• The Ontario Power Authority saveONenergyOM AUDIT FUNDING program for businesses which covers up to 50 per cent of the cost of an energy audit
• The Union Gas EnerSmartTM energy-efficiency incentive program for projects that increase the efficiency of using natural gas
Energy conservation projects identified for the facilities include changes to lighting (high efficiency lighting, timers, daylight harvesting), upgrades of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and the installation of low-flow toilets and faucets.
By taking the initiative to perform these energy audits and commit to making improvements, the City is leading by example and achieving a win-win for the community. Reducing energy consumption in City facilities supports the goals of the Community Energy Initiative and reduces costs.