June 7, 2023

In this Issue:

Celebrate Environment Week!
 

• Environment Week
• What Makes a Business Green?
• Energy Efficiency
• Town Environmental Programs for Businesses

Economic Development Info

• Alberta Summer Games
• Business Survey Thank You
• New Business Listings
• Business Grand Opening: Medicine Shoppe
• Upcoming Events/Notifications
• Small Business Resources
• Submit Event

Environment Week

How to Make Your Business Green

The best way to green a business is to reduce waste. Whether that’s in energy, products, or time, efficient business operations keeps the world (and your bank account) a little greener. Here are some ways to green your business:

• When looking to move or set up a business, look for buildings that meet a certified green build standard, such as BOMA, LEED, Passive House or other third party verification organizations.
   
• Choose products/suppliers with green certification to reduce impacts along the supply chain.This can help when choosing a variety of products; from sustainable paper products, to energy and water efficient appliances, to sustainable food sources.¹
   
• Literally “green” your business through living plants, either indoors or outdoors. Green roofs², drought-tolerant landscaping and living plant walls/planters contribute to increased air quality, passive cooling, and help with water management. 
   
• Timers/motion sensors help to keep lights off when there’s no one around, while timers and smart power strips for appliances reduce “phantom power.”
   
• When looking to renovate an existing building, include water and energy efficient retrofits to save money and energy from the start. Here are some retrofit tips:
  • Reducing drafts from poorly fitting doors, pipes, windows, or any other pathways air can get in is a cheap and easy way to keep cooler air where it belongs - outside in the winter and inside in the summer! 
     
  • An open door is welcoming for customers and can provide a nice breeze if your business doesn't have air conditioning. BUT, ensure your door is closed if you are heating or cooling your space!
     
  • The Town's DIY Energy Audit kit has a thermal camera to help identify sources of heat losses.
     
  • Window glazing can reduce solar heat without blocking the view. Well-fitted insulated blinds or curtains can also reduce solar heat from windows by up to 60% & reduce heat loss in the winter by up to 40%.
     
  • Let there be (LED) light! Heat generated from incandescent and halogen bulbs makes up 90% of their energy use. Replacing with LEDs saves energy and reduces heat.

<sup>1. For a list of verified green certifications, check the last page in the Town's Growing Greener Together Guide
2. Check out the Miistakis Institute’s Ecoroof Guide for Municipalities for a detailed review of green roof options</sup>

Town Environmental Programs for Businesses 

Water Smart Business Grant

The grant provides up to $10,000 to Okotoks businesses and institutions who want to save some money, but also do their part to conserve water through water efficiency upgrades. Installing water-efficient fixtures, equipment, and landscaping can save an organization money on bi-monthly water bills! The Town is still taking applications this year!

Learn more

Food Waste Dehydrator Pilot Project

The Town, in conjunction with Eco-Growth Environmental Inc., is part of a cutting-edge pilot project converting commercial food waste into material used as carbon neutral energy (building heat) as well as for regenerative agricultural purposes in Calgary. K-Cups collected as part of the project are also being used to make plastic lumber products. 

By putting commercial food waste through the dehydration process, the Town has already diverted 5475.5 kg of material from the landfill, preventing the release of 48,249 kg of carbon equivalent (CO_2e) from entering the atmosphere. The more food waste we are able to collect, the more we can divert from the landfill. Businesses are encouraged to join the pilot - email waste@okotoks.ca to get involved!

Alberta Summer Games

Business Survey - Thank You!

New Business Listings

Business Grand Opening: Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

Events/Notifications

Small Business Resources

Connect with Us/Submit an Event

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