AAMDC
When the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) joined the Alberta Solar Showcase, its one-kilowatt installation of solar electricity was just a beginning. Within months, the organization had added six more kilowatts of solar power, thus creating the largest land-mounted solar array in Alberta.
It’s all part of the AAMDC’s drive to make its new headquarters, just off Highway 2 north of Leduc, a model of energy efficiency. Designed to meet the LEED Silver standard, the building features recycled rubber tire siding, rainwater collection, a green erosion control system, geothermal heating, energy-efficient lighting and water-conserving washrooms. Wide eaves allow low winter sun into the building and prevent overheating in the summer.
AAMDC, an umbrella organization for Alberta’s 68 counties and municipal districts saw this as an opportunity to showcase energy-efficient technologies starting with the design of the building. Now they are continuing this theme by adding renewable energy sources to the mix.
“Our membership keeps a good eye on us and holds us accountable. This summer, we had municipal representatives from across Canada on the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) mission here to see what we’veaccomplished. We’re very proud of that.”
Gerald Rhodes, Executive Director
Solar Team: ETI Solar (now Conergy)