Business takes advantage of green rebate

An Airdrie restaurant is taking advantage of a new Alberta government pilot program that rewards commercial businesses for installing energy-efficient lighting.

When Boston Pizza franchisee Kip Lindsay took over the business in May, his restaurant “wasn’t really a green place,” so he took steps to change his establishment.

Lindsay retrofitted the kitchen bulbs at his Boston Pizza and said the lighting change was immediately noticeable.

“Initial response has been outstanding,” said Lindsay.

The cost of converting his kitchen was less than $10,000 after an Edmonton company made the changes.

“Our kitchen looks like a hospital,” said Lindsay of the bright lights.

The stark white, energy-efficient bulbs are markedly different than the yellowish tinge produced by typical incandescent lighting.

“I think it’s going to work, but it’s definitely a bright light,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay has applied for the rebate and now stands to receive a repayment of $81,250. He plans to replace the patio bulbs next.

The rebates are eligible to companies operating in restaurants, offices, warehouses, multi-use residential and retail locations, which and can earn back anywhere from $37,500 to $375,000.

“Commercial property owners play a crucial role in our commitment to improve energy efficiency,” said Rob Renner, Alberta’s environment minister.

“Lighting accounts for approximately 50 per cent of Alberta businesses’ annual electricity use.”

The program aims to reduce 191,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, and will run through Climate Change Central, a non-profit group encouraging Albertans to be diligent when it comes to protecting the environment.

All participants must take a pre-retrofitting evaluation and show the potential for energy savings in their business to qualify for rebates.

“I think it’s going to be one of those things that virally spreads across the country,” said Lindsay.

The program will continue until Dec. 31, 2011 or until funding runs out.

For more information about retrofitting, visit www.lightitright.ca or call 1-888-537-7202.