Energy Conservation

Georgian Bluffs has developed this Energy Conservation and Demand Management (ECDM) Plan to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy use, and protect the environment we all value.

This plan builds on real progress we’ve already made, and sets clear goals for the next five years. It supports our Corporate Climate Action Plan and shows how we’re turning commitment into action across Township buildings, facilities, and operations.

Download the full Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan (2024–2029)

Appendices:

Progress so Far

Measurable progress in energy reductions has been achieved since 2019.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Between 2019 and 2023, emissions from Township-owned buildings decreased by 23%. That's a reduction of approximately 62,000 kg of CO₂.

That means we didn’t just meet our previous 10% reduction goal, we surpassed it.

This progress came from:

  • Switching several buildings from oil and propane heating to electric systems

  • Divesting buildings that were no longer needed

Energy Use

Over the same period, overall energy consumption in Township facilities decreased by 11%, even with changes in programming and facility use.

While COVID-19 affected facility usage during these years, the improvements we’ve made are meaningful and long-lasting.

Next Steps

We are committing to reduce overall energy consumption by an average of 2% per year, reaching an additional 10% reduction by 2029.

This steady approach helps us:

  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions

  • Reduce long-term operating costs

  • Strengthen financial resilience

  • Support a carbon-neutral future

How We’ll Get There

Here's how we plan to achieve our energy reduction goals.

  • Continuing LED lighting upgrades

  • Replacing aging heating systems with low- or zero-emission options

  • Improving efficiency in arenas, water plants, depots, and community centres

  • Installing solar panels where practical

  • Using life-cycle cost analysis when planning capital projects

  • Monitoring energy use across all Township facilities

  • Conducting energy audits to identify improvement opportunities

  • Reporting annually through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, as required by Ontario Regulation 25/23

  • Reducing fuel use

  • Transitioning vehicles to electric options when operationally viable

Building a Culture of Conservation

Energy conservation isn’t just about equipment, it’s about the things we do every day.

We are:

  • Integrating energy management into staff training

  • Reviewing progress regularly at the senior management level

  • Including energy efficiency requirements in tenders and project planning

  • Considering long-term greenhouse gas impacts in all major decisions

Accountability and Transparency

We monitor energy consumption regularly and evaluate progress annually to ensure we stay on track toward our 2% yearly reduction target.

This plan is reviewed during the annual budget process and updated after major projects or audits.

Contact Us

Township of Georgian Bluffs
177964 Grey Road 18,
Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N5

Send Email to Georgian Bluffs
Phone: 519-376-2729
Fax: 519-372-1620