| Many businesses, from the local coffee shop chain to high end restaurants, are making the switch from conventional energy to a cleaner alternative. Sal Howell, Proprietor at River Café in Calgary, wanted to make the switch to clean energy, but was concerned about the extra cost. With a little help from a consultant, they discovered they could easily get away with much less lighting during the day than they were using. By implementing a “lights off” policy, they were able to save enough in energy costs to pay for the added cost of using wind power, and then some. More and more individuals and businesses are switching to clean energy, which will eventually help to reduce the cost in the industry. Rebates are also available in many provinces to help pay for things such as solar panels. Bullfrog Power has been offering wind power for years and is perhaps the most recognizable name in clean energy in Canada, but other companies are sprouting up across the country. In Alberta, Enmax recently launched a solar power program which helps significantly reduce the cost for the purchase and installation of solar panels for homes and businesses, and plans to roll out a wind program in the spring of 2011.
Consider making the switch to a cleaner, safer energy source in the near future, and start thinking about ways you can offset the cost today. For more information, visit: Enmax: www.generatechoice.ca
River Café: www.river-cafe.com
Bullfrog Power: www.bullfrogpower.com
Rebates: oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/incentives.cfm
About the author:  Janine Bolton is President of LEAF (Leaders in Environmentally Accountable Foodservice), a National organizationthat is dedicated to helping those in the foodservice industry reduce their environmental impact, and recognizes them for doing so.
Like many students, Janine put herself through University by working in the foodservice industry. Janine has always had a passion for the environment and was deeply bothered by the amount of waste she observed during this time. After recognizing a gap in the environmental sector, Janine set forth to develop a program that would specifically address the environmental impacts of the foodservice industry in Canada. Janine is originally from Vancouver Island, B.C., and now resides in Calgary, Alberta, where she is involved with various sustainability initiatives. Janine holds a B.Sc. in Nutritional Science from the University of Alberta, is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta. | |
