Practicing green
Published August 23, 2006
A short while ago, I attended a session on "Built Green Homes". As the name suggests, these homes are built with conservation in mind. During the presentation a pretty interesting fact was presented: if everyone on earth consumed as many resources per capita as Albertans, we would require seven planets to sustain ourselves.
Though the presentation was meant to highlight the value of building "Green Homes", the facts they presented on green built homes is pretty amazing. In 2005 there were 26,684 new single family homes built in Alberta. If they built them to the average/potential reductions offered by a "Green Built Home", there would be energy cost savings of $3.6 M a year. In one year, there would be 3.1 billion less litres of water used. There could be construction waste in the amount of 73 thousand tonnes diverted from landfill and a drop of 22,148 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Most certainly built green homes have merit and the County has recognized that by giving rebates on building permits to homes built green that achieve a certain standard. If you are interested in seeing what a "Green Built Home" is, the website is www.builtgreencanada.ca.
On the other hand, the total municipal solid waste generation in Alberta is 750 kg. per capita. Of that, 50% is industrial, commercial and institutional, 26% is construction and demolition and 24% is residential. In Strathcona County, we have achieved a 50% diversion rate of solid waste from the landfills. Fifty percent is a commendable figure, but we still have much to do.
Strathcona County has recognized that in our world and our community, we all need to be good stewards of the land and environment. To that end, our Utilities Department, has been undertaking a review of the Waste Management Plan with a view to enhancing our practices. In our Community, 83.9% of the residents believe that we should be a leader in our province with respect to waste management practices. We need to have an additional 33% diversion rate to meet the required goal of 500 kg. per capita by 2010. Our Utilities Department is moving forward on their study and in the new year, recommendations will be brought to Council as to how we can achieve the provincial goal.
Though much has been done by many segments of the community, we all need to do our part to ensure we not only remain good stewards, but become even better ones.
I hope you have all had a good summer and a restful holiday.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Page ID: 1944