Overview
The way we design, build, manage and work in our buildings can have a significant impact on the environment.
We recognize the importance of sustainability and are committed to the responsible management of government assets.
Renewable energy
Using renewable energy to power our facilities reduces our carbon footprint by an estimated 159,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year – close to taking 30,000 vehicles off Alberta roads.
Recycling
Reusing and recycling is an easy way to reduce harmful environmental impacts.
Battery recycling
Batteries contain a number of hazardous materials that can expose the environment to adverse impacts if not disposed of properly.
Since early 2009, we have managed a battery recycling program for government tenants.
Through this program, over 16,000 kg of batteries have been collected and recycled. That’s the size of 10 mid-size cars!
Fluorescent Lamp and Mercury Recycling
The operation of government buildings requires hundreds of thousands of fluorescent light bulbs.
These bulbs, while energy efficient, contain modest amounts of Mercury, a toxic substance that has adverse effects on the environment if disposed of improperly.
Many components of a fluorescent lamp tube are recyclable.
Since the inception of this recycling program, we have disposed of and recycled approximately 350,000 fluorescent light bulbs – amounting to 50,000 kg of glass, 700 kg of metal, 800 kg of phosphor, and over 6 kg of Mercury.
Additional items recycled under this program include HID/UV/HPS bulbs, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs, and thermometers.
Environmental certifications
Building Owners and Managers Association’s: Building Environmental Standards (BOMA BEST)
Alberta Infrastructure has been striving to align its operation and management of government facilities with industry best practices as identified in the BOMA BEST.
We have certified 89 buildings under the BOMA BEST program and three government-owned buildings have achieved BOMA BEST Platinum ratings, the highest level of possible.
Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump became the first UNESCO World Heritage Site certified to BOMA BEST.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
The Alberta Government has committed to environmentally friendly building design and construction by adopting the LEED® sustainable rating system, with a minimum “Silver” level as the standard for all new major construction projects since 2006 - including new schools, museums and hospitals.
LEED® Silver buildings cost up to 5% more than conventional buildings but are up to 45% more energy-efficient than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings.
Contact
Connect with Infrastructure:
Address:
3rd Floor Infrastructure Building
6950 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5V7