Vote coming on energy audit

It will cost the City of Summerside $4.3 million to implement all the recommendations in a year-long green audit.

City council received a report last week from Honeywell Inc., an energy services provider that conducted the audit. Honeywell has conducted similar audits for other municipalities, hospitals and universities.

The city hired the company last year and hoped to receive a list of ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and make room for energy-efficient technology.

“It will be a significant reduction in our carbon footprint. It will be savings on the proposed carbon tax, which I am still very concerned about,” said Martin, who said savings are expected to be $418,000 annually, which Honeywell has guaranteed.

“If there are any shortfalls, they will cut us a cheque.”

Many of the recommendations are initiatives the city is already considering, said Martin.

“Why not do it with energy and greenhouse gas emission efficient technology?” he said.

Currently, the city’s annual heat and electricity bill for all its facilities averages about $1 million. That does not include the electricity to power streetlights, which is about another $500,000.

The audit, which was conducted in phases, evaluated systems like heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, mechanical equipment, lighting as well as building infrastructure, its current conditions and the occupancy.