Eco Tips

  • By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future. 
  • When driving, go slower with proper tire inflation. It saves both fuel and tires, and lowers emissions. 
  • Yard and kitchen waste (leaves/grass/vegetable scraps) are 30% of trash. Reduce this amount by composting. 
  • Don't let faucets run. Never water your lawn at midday. Place a brick in old toilets.
  • Don't use pesticides/herbicides on your lawn. Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants. 
  • Don't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash. Use proper toxics disposal sites.
  • Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances. Choose products with lower energy inputs. 
  • Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do. 
  • One-third of all traffic is commuters. Use alternative transportation when possible.

Energy Conservation Seasonal Checklist

Fall Checklist:

  • Inventory appliances; are they all necessary? Should some be removed / replaced / consolidated? Are major appliances Energy Star Rated?
  • Communicate results of inventory and associated recommendations to administrator
  • Clean and ensure all necessary appliances are working properly.
  • Set refrigerator(s) to 3°C and freezer(s) to -18°C.
  • Move your refrigerator and freezer away from heat sources.
  • Fix leaky taps. One drop per second wastes approximately 1 cubic metre (220 gallons) of water per month.
  • Set your electric water heater’s thermostat to a maximum of 50°C/120°F.
  • Turn off interior lights that are not needed at the end of each day.
  • Inspect windows and doors for air leakage. Replace faulty seals.
  • Check outdoor lighting. Ensure it operates at proper times.
  • Service filters as per preventative maintenance schedule during the heating season.
  • Turn off exhaust systems when they are not needed.
  • Replace missing ceiling tiles.

Winter Checklist:

  • Inventory appliances; are they all necessary? Should some be removed / replaced /
    consolidated? Are major appliances Energy Star Rated?
  • Communicate results of inventory and associated recommendations to administrator.
  • Ensure all fluorescent lighting is working properly.
  • Clean and ensure all necessary appliances are working properly.
  • Fix leaky taps. One drop per second wastes approximately 1 cubic metre (220 gallons) of
    hot water per month.
  • Decrease energy waste by reducing heat in unused rooms.
  • Service filters as per preventative maintenance schedule during the heating season.
  • Turn off exhaust systems when they are not needed.
    " Inspect windows and doors for air leakage. Replace faulty seals.
  • Check outdoor lighting. Ensure it operates at proper times.
  • Replace missing ceiling tiles.
  • Turn off interior lights that are not needed at the end of each day.


Spring Checklist:

  • Inventory appliances; are they all necessary? Should some be removed / replaced /
    consolidated? Are major appliances Energy Star Rated?
  • Communicate results of inventory and associated recommendations to administrator.
  • Clean and ensure all appliances are working properly.
  • Inspect windows and doors for any winter damage to caulking and sealing.
  • Ensure air conditioner is serviced and ready to go. Wash or replace any filters.
  • Check outdoor lighting fixtures for winter damage. Clean fixture covers and confirm you
    are using energy efficient bulbs.
  • Service filters as per preventative maintenance schedule during the heating season.
  • Turn off interior lights that are not needed at the end of each day.
  • Turn off exhaust systems when they are not needed.

Summer Checklist:

  • Inventory appliances; are they all necessary? Should some be removed / replaced /
    consolidated? Are major appliances Energy Star Rated?
  • Communicate results of inventory and associated recommendations to administrator.
  • Turn off room air conditioners.
  • Empty refrigerators and freezers and unplug until fall.
  • Clean the coils on the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Inspect windows and doors for air leakage. Replace faulty seals.
  • Check outdoor lighting. Ensure it operates at proper times.
  • Dust light bulbs and fixtures.
  • Turn off water heaters when the building will be vacated.
  • Turn off heating equipment (boilers, pumps) when heating season is deemed over.
  • Clean dirty coils, fins and radiators.
  • Remove power from all appliances and electronic equipment not needed over the summer.
  • Although “machines” (computers, pop machines, radios etc.) may be turned off they still
    draw small amounts of power when left plugged in.
  • Turn off exhaust systems when they are not needed.

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