In April, ERP College partnered with Green Calgary to host a series of informative webinars in celebration of Earth Day. Our students had the privilege of learning from two esteemed speakers, Judi Vand and Resty Nabateraga, who shared valuable insights on energy efficiency and food waste reduction.
Energy Efficiency with Judi Vand
Judi Vand’s webinar focused on the critical importance of energy efficiency in combating climate change. She highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as flooding and smoke in Calgary, and stressed the need for individual action to reduce carbon footprints.
Vand explained the greenhouse effect and how human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, exacerbate it by trapping more heat on Earth. She noted that Alberta primarily relies on gas for electricity, followed by wind, coal, solar, and hydro power.
To promote energy efficiency, Vand recommended several practical steps:
- Monitor Energy Usage: Track monthly energy bills to identify high consumption areas.
- Adjust Home Practices: Reduce heating appliance usage, turn off lights when not needed, and unplug devices to avoid phantom energy consumption.
- Use Energy-Saving Tools: Invest in thermal insulated curtains, water-saving showerheads, and faucet aerators. Seal drafts and insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
- Create a Plan: Establish a plan and timeline to reduce energy and water usage. Regularly monitor and adjust based on monthly progress to manage consumption effectively.
These measures not only reduce energy bills but also contribute significantly to lowering carbon footprints, benefiting the environment.
