livingcover
alternative energy sources, ones that are free, renewable,
and have little to no carbon emissions. Although solar and
wind power are Southern Alberta’s primary alternative
sources, there are still other options to choose from, such
as geothermal and biofuels. Finding the right fit for the
right project is about maximizing energy efficiency while
minimizing costs. Kathleen says Environment Lethbridge’s
role is “a combination of providing information for
of how [environmental sustainability] can work at the
municipal level.” Another example is the replacement of all
the City’s high-pressure sodium streetlight luminaries with
power efficient LED fixtures that come with a lifespan of up
to 20 years. Its classic counterpart only came with five. The
initiative to replace over 11,000 fixtures is estimated to save
the City 50 per cent in power consumption.
There are many businesses creating environmentally
“Over the past 20–25 years, we’ve seen wind power in Southern
Alberta really take off, but I believe there is potential for more. With
solar we are starting to see people invest in small scale solar to
supplement their own household energy use, and now we are
starting to see larger installations as well.”
people who are looking to conserve energy, and then also
supporting a number of businesses that are invested or
are beginning to invest in alternative energy, and looking
at ways we can share what they’re doing so that people
are aware of that. For example, solar panels are an option
for your home if you want to really invest in conserving
energy.”
Annually, Lethbridge experiences over 100 days with
winds over 40 km/hr and over 300 days of sunshine. “Over
the past 20–25 years, we’ve seen wind power in Southern
Alberta really take off, but I believe there is potential for
more. With solar we are starting to see people invest in small
scale solar to supplement their own household energy use,
and now we are starting to see larger installations as well,”
says Kathleen. “We’ve been really fortunate in Alberta to
capitalize on the opportunities from the fossil fuel industry,
but the world is shifting. What we are seeing out of the
federal and provincial governments is reflecting that shift,
and if we want to look forward, taking advantage of where
those shifts are headed is really to our advantage.”
Kathleen indicates you don’t have to look far in our city
to find positive examples of sustainable practices. One
of Environment Lethbridge’s mandates is to champion
positive stories from the community of how others are
implementing environmentally conscious initiatives of their
own–what’s working, and who’s doing it. For starters, the
City of Lethbridge is a leader in Southern Alberta. “One
of the shining examples for Lethbridge is the parks system
and the trails that go with it,” says Kathleen. Lethbridge
has over 130 parks and natural areas with over 150 km of
walking trails dispersed and interconnected throughout.
She adds, “I look at how those systems are integrated into
the community and in new communities. It seems to be
just part of the planning process. There is a vision there
for green space in the city that I think is a shining example
friendly paths in Lethbridge as well. For example, Lethbridge
Biogas uses organic residues, which include animal manures
and food processing by-products, to produce green,
renewable energy; Park Place Mall is powered by renewable
wind energy and energy generated by a methane-capture
process, it also has an integrated waste diversion system, and
a rooftop garden; and Noji Chiropractic & Wellness Centre
is powered by solar power and uses a geothermal system to
heat and cool its building. Kathleen says that stories such as
these help inspire action and creativity in the community,
and show that sustainable practices do wor