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Addressing Climate Change Through Collaboration Between The Public And Private Sectors
No full textThrough an online survey, this research explores collaboration between Calgary's local government and energy industry to address climate change through Employee Engagement, Community Investment, and Operations Performance within Calgary. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Criteria of Control Model. The research recommends a \three-cornered" approach consisting of Calgary's energy business, local government, and residents. This study calls to engage responsible organizations in becoming agents of change; to educate residents on GHG's; and to bring the public and private sectors together on city resilience using the local government's long-term sustainability plans. There are 22 participating organizations with diverse pro les. Results show that most participants have GHG reduction strategies linked to addressing climate change. A considerable number have an \appetite" for collaboration, but a large percentage remains hesitant for unknown reasons. While the participants support Employee Engagement and Operations Performance, they show less willingness to employ Community Investment
Environmental Security Of Fragile Ecosystems: A Geopolitical Examination Of Upstream Oil And Gas Development In The Canadian Arctic
No full textWithin the Arctic environmental security represents the intersection of environmental degradation and international relations, as it relates to the development of resources. This paper examines the interrelated aspects of the legitimisation of environmental threats as environmental security threats within the Canadian Arctic. This is completed through the review of four interrelated dimensions. First, is the definition of environmental security within wider security context, and the evolving role of non-traditional threats within the international system. Second, there are the specific challenges faced by Arctic environments in light of ongoing anthropogenic change, both at the regional level and on a global scale. As a fragile ecosystem the Arctic does not adapt well to changes and is particularly sensitive. Third, the specifics of the resource potential within the region must be included, as the available potential must retain economic feasibility. Lastly, there is the role the Canadian government has taken in promoting environmental issues, and environmental security issues, both domestically and through multilateral agreements
Development Of A Feasibility Framework For Trickle Fill Water Distribution Projects
No full textLacking economies of scale, most Canadian small water systems do not have the financial capability to maintain sustainable operations, resulting in hundreds of drinking water advisories every year. In Alberta, an alternative to small rural systems has been emerging due to government investment in regionalization. With the “trickle fill” option, treated water is provided from regional supplies via small-diameter piping. This study outlines a feasibility assessment framework for trickle fill regionalization and conducts a case study for an area in Rocky View, Alberta. The case study develops a concept design and calculates the corresponding average end-user cost to be $165.03/month/home with ~80% of the cost due to regional system owner rates. While the study finds that the option is more sustainable than existing systems in the case area, either subsidies or a reduction in connection fees would be required to make it affordable for homeowners
Sustainable Destinations: A Comparison Study Of Energy And Water Audits Of Hotels In The Galapagos Islands And Banff.
No full textThis paper seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for water conservation and energy efficiency in the hospitality industry in two separate and distinct destinations: the Galapagos Islands and the Town of Banff. Energy and water audits were conducted on a sample of six hotels and hostels in each destination to understand energy and water consumption and identify opportunities for improvements and savings. We found that low-cost initiatives such as using LED lights, installing low-flow water fixtures and altering business practices to increase efficiency can realize electricity savings of approximately 10% and water savings of 25% per year across all hotels and hostels in both destinations. Our findings reinforce the work of authors such as Amory Lovins amongst others who have wrote about the low-hanging fruit that is energy efficiency and water conservation in buildings
Strategies For Freshwater Reduction In Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking) Of Shale Gas For A Typical Oil And Gas Company In Western Canada
No full textThe oil and gas industry uses substantial amounts of energy, emits greenhouse gases and is associated with high costs. As conventional oil and gas becomes exhausted, there is a turn towards more unconventional, harder to extract, resources. Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking, is an unconventional technique that releases the tightly trapped shale gas in rock formations, but uses large volumes of freshwater. This study analyzes, two alternatives to freshwater: (1)- Wastewater and (2)-Desalinated water. This study compares the energy usage (technologyspecific), environmental issues (greenhouse gases released) and economic viability (water treatment costs) related to the water treatment specific to seven scenarios with various percentages of Surface water, Municipal wastewater, Fracking wastewater and Brackish Desalinated water for one well in Calgary, Alberta. Consistent with the literature reviewed, the use of Municipal wastewater was determined to be the best option, with the lowest energy use, emissions and costs, however alternatives for water transportation is still of particular concern
Economic Feasibility Of Utility-scale Solar Power In The Wake Of The Shale Gas Revolution In North America
No full textThe advancement in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has unlocked natural gas that was once trapped in deep, thick shale formations providing an abundant supply and cheap source of energy. The technology has become so widespread in North America, and adopted globally, that the International Energy Agency (IEA) has dubbed this era as the “Golden Age of Gas”. The IEA has also pointed to the risk that governments might waiver their support for renewable energy as utility companies rush to take advantage of the low cost fuel. In North America, mainly in the United States, many of the subsidies and policies promoting renewable energy are poised to expire adding to the uncertainty on the future of renewable technologies. However renewable energy, particularly solar energy, has seen strong rates of cost declines in the past few years and according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) the potential for further cost reduction are quite substantial for solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). Natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants, on the other hand, is a mature technology and has seen no significant reduction in capital costs since 2008. This implies that natural gas power plants are vulnerable to natural gas prices, and at some point the full-cycle cost of a NGCC power plant will intersect the declining costs of solar power. The goal of this paper is to investigate the cost reduction potential of utility-scale solar technologies within the next decade and determine the break-even price of natural gas to determine whether solar can reach grid parity in North America without subsidies
Integration Of Sustainable Development In The Power Sector Reform In South America
No full textThe Power Sector Reform in South American countries has undergone different phases, processes and transformations towards an open market on which private investment participation is expected. This process brings with it several regulatory, economical, and institutional changes, but some principles towards a clean, affordable and efficient electricity service were left aside. The purpose of this project is to determine what the deficiencies on the reform were, and how the principles on economic growth, social equity and environmental protection were not considered in a combined way. This project purposes general alternatives and recommendations on which South American countries may integrate sustainable development in the ongoing power sector reform