Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – During the June 19 council meeting, Vladimir Marenich, OCWA Energy Efficiency Specialist, delivered a thorough presentation on the municipality’s energy management efforts, in compliance with Ontario Regulation 25/23.
This regulation mandates that all broader public service organizations report annually on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and develop comprehensive Conservation Demand Management (CDM) plans.
North Middlesex oversees a diverse portfolio of 26 facilities, encompassing vital services such as water and wastewater treatment, recreational centres, public works, and administrative offices. Utilizing the Province of Ontario’s Portfolio Manager portal, the municipality meticulously tracks and analyzes energy consumption data from each facility. This systematic approach allows for precise identification of energy-intensive areas and facilitates targeted improvements.
The presentation highlighted notable achievements in energy efficiency. For instance, there was a commendable 13% reduction in overall electricity consumption across municipal buildings compared to the 2017 baseline. Conversely, propane usage showed a significant 43% increase, underscoring the need for focused strategies to mitigate such trends. Specific facilities, including the municipal office, achieved substantial reductions in natural gas consumption through a combination of behavioral changes among staff and strategic equipment upgrades.
The current CDM plan, spanning from 2020 to 2024, articulates ambitious objectives aimed at integrating energy management into all municipal operations, fostering a culture of conservation, demonstrating leadership through innovation in energy technologies, optimizing resource use efficiency, and establishing a framework for continuous improvement. These goals not only align with regulatory requirements but also underscore the municipality’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Looking forward to the 2025-2029 period, North Middlesex aims to deepen its understanding of energy consumption patterns, enhance staff engagement through comprehensive training programs, ensure transparency by annually reporting on energy performance improvements, and implement cost-effective measures to optimize operational efficiency across its facilities.
To achieve these objectives, the municipality plans to adopt the ISO 50001 management methodology, which emphasizes a systematic approach to energy management encompassing planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Key recommendations stemming from the updated CDM plan include securing council support for energy initiatives, establishing a dedicated Energy Management Team, revising strategies based on ongoing energy assessments, implementing targeted efficiency measures, and closely monitoring progress towards established targets.
By embracing innovative technologies and fostering a community-wide culture of energy efficiency, North Middlesex continues to set a benchmark for effective energy management within the broader public service sector, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for its residents and stakeholders.
