Net-zero pathways for Edmonton community leagues supported community leagues in completing building energy modelling that details how to move their community halls to net-zero carbon. The modelling work included accessibility features, climate resilience considerations and deep energy reduction with on-site solar electricity generation, where applicable. 

The learnings were used to apply for further funding to complete the retrofit opportunities outlined in the modelling work, as well as engage with community members and other community leagues around how to retrofit their own homes and buildings to net-zero.

As planned, energy models and audits were created for a group of community league facilities, which charted a path to get all facilities in question to net-zero energy. Modelling work included accessibility features, climate resilience considerations, and deep energy reduction with on-site solar electricity generation. All energy models and pathways included a shallow geothermal heating and cooling system. Leagues were chosen with neighbourhood demographics in mind, so many underrepresented groups had the potential to learn and benefit from the work.

The audit reports and energy models were used to apply for roughly $4.5M from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program to complete the retrofit opportunities outlined in the modelling work, and they are waiting to hear back. Learnings are being circulated among community members in the five neighbourhoods: Avonmore, Blue Quill, Canora, North Glenora and Sherbrooke) as well as broadly among Community League volunteers throughout the city.

Scaling work has already begun by working with the City of Edmonton Neighbourhood Services Branch to encourage them to learn about shallow geothermal and other more advanced building energy conservation technologies. The City has been very cooperative and is working with them to ensure the highest likelihood of project success for the GICB grant applications, which can provide a template for future projects. This work aligns well with the City of Edmonton's Energy Transition Strategy. This work has helped instill the need for an increased pace of energy transition, particularly among departments not directly involved in its implementation.

The Edmonton Federation of Community League's next steps will be to try to implement the recommendations made by Carbon Busters engineers. They hope to secure funds to implement the projects and then share that success and the knowledge gained as widely as possible. In addition, they hope to encourage other community leagues to mimic their work here, particularly if the projects move forward.