... Among the Civic Facility's green features is its geo-exchange heating and cooling, which uses wells drilled deep into the ground to regulate temperatures.
It is equipped with windows designed especially to reduce energy loss. The building's energy-efficient lighting automatically steps down during bright daylight. There are dual flush toilets to conserve water, and Energy Star equipment and appliances.
The Township recently took part in Earth Hour by turning off all unnecessary lights at the Civic Facility, and encouraged residents to save energy by accepting BC Hydro's Power Smart Challenge.
It doesn't stop at the Civic Facility.
The Township has been working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by retro-fitting municipal buildings with more energy-efficient lights. More energy has been saved by converting traffic signals to LED lights.
Township council has set a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 10 per cent by the year 2010. If that goal is reached, the Township, as a corporation, will create 605 fewer tonnes of emissions in 2010 than it did in 2000. The Township also signed the provincial government's Climate Action Charter, committing to being carbon neutral by 2012.
The greening and right-sizing of the Township's fleet is part of that commitment, and municipal vehicles have been introduced to biodiesel, a new form of fuel that is made from waste oils and fats, and also burns cleaner, reducing its negative impact on the atmosphere...