Last month's global warming conference in Japan is helping to accelerate the process towards increasing energy efficiency in Canada. Natural Resources Canada estimates that 5% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions in 1995 were attributed to commercial buildings. "In most commercial buildings built prior to 1985, there is an opportunity to save 10 - 15% on annual utility costs, with a simple pay back period of less than three years, says Gordon Anderson of Anderson Energy Management Ltd. Even companies which have taken significant energy management steps, realize it's an evolving process and continual opportunities exists. Very often a 5% saving can be realized at little to no cost by discovering some hidden energy management opportunities. Implementation of these recommendations means annual utility cost reductions, savings in energy, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Besides the environmental benefit, the economics of the situation alone makes good business sense.

Energy efficient T-8 fluorescent tubes with electronic ballasts can have a dramatic saving on energy and electricity costs. This conversion alone means a 40% savings in power and energy consumption from fluorescent lighting while maintaining similar lighting levels! This single retrofit performed on commercial buildings in Canada predominately lit with standard fluorescent tubes and ballasts, will significantly contribute towards meeting the greenhouse gas emissions targets from that particular sector being discussed in Kyoto.

Many building owners are taking a serious look at reducing utility operating costs. Nortel has joined the federal government's Voluntary Challenge and Registry Program and have undertaken many initiatives. They have conducted an energy audit at one of their Calgary locations and have identified annual utility cost savings of fourteen per cent. The Government of Alberta has also joined the VCR Program having an action plan in place, and si in the midst of a province-wide energy efficiency retrofit of many of it's buildings.

The greenhouse gas warming trend and saving our environment is not just a concern for the energy industry. Building owners must also take responsibility to do their part. No one wants to be legislated to take action, or see taxes causing increases in utility costs. A voluntary effort towards energy management and environmental conservation is the preferable way to start.