Government Initiatives

There are a number of government and government-sponsored environmental initiatives underway in Alberta. These initiatives play an ongoing role in shaping Alberta’s environmental policy.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • Carbon Capture and Storage

    In July, 2008 the Alberta Government announced a $2 billion kick-start to reduced greenhouse gas emissions through new Carbon Capture and Storage projects in order to ensure that Alberta's Climate Change Action Plan has the financial capability to cut projected greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050.

    Carbon Capture and Storage is a process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions and stores them in geological formations deep inside the earth. Once the projects are implemented, the expected result is five million tonnes in annual reductions by 2015, comparable to taking one million vehicles in Alberta off the road.

Climate Change/Energy Efficiency Solutions

  • Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI)

    AERI works to develop Alberta’s energy sector through promotion of and investment in innovation and technology.

    • The Alberta Energy Innovation Strategy

      An important part of the province's climate change strategy. The Alberta Energy Research Institute is responsible for energy-related research in Alberta and works with government and industry to promote innovation and technology in the energy sector.

  • Alberta's 2008 Climate Change Strategy

    Outlines how the province will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving and using energy efficiently, implementing carbon capture and storage, and greening energy production.

  • EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change (EcoTrust)

    In August, 2008, the Government of Alberta received $155.9 million from the federal government's EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change (EcoTrust) initiative. Federal funding for Alberta under the Canada EcoTrust will be invested in leading-edge initiatives that will result in measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives will promote environmentally responsible resource development and support Alberta's Climate Change Strategy.

    Alberta views the EcoTrust initiative as a significant extension of the Alberta Energy Research Institute's (AERI) existing programs in energy as well as related climate change and environmental innovation efforts.

  • Green Transit Incentives Program (Green TRIP)

    The Green Transit Initiatives Program (Green TRIP) will provide $2 billion in funding assistance and incentives to improve and expand local, regional and inter-city transit systems.

    The program will support new public transit alternatives throughout the province that will significantly reduce the number of vehicles on Alberta roads and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Municipalities, regional entities, non-profit organizations and private sector groups all qualify to receive the funding.

Recycling and Waste Management

  • Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)

    ARMA, known simply as Alberta Recycling, is a multi-stakeholder organization, designated by the Government of Alberta. ARMA reports to the Minister of Environment and is run by a Board of Directors representing many stakeholder groups.

    ARMA is responsible for managing the following three recycling programs:

    • Paint Recycling Program

      In 2007, Alberta introduced a new paint recycling program in order to reduce the detrimental impact that leftover liquid paints have on the environment. Paint and paint containers will be recycled into new paint, used in other products or in energy recovery throughout Alberta.

    • Electronics Recycling Program

      In 2004, Alberta introduced a new electronics recycling program, the first of its kind in Canada. More than 200 collection sites across the province are now accepting unwanted television sets and computers.

    • Tire Recycling Program

      Since 1992, Alberta's tire recycling program has turned old tires into a growing industry that now exports recycled rubber tire products to the world. Alberta has successfully recycled more than 35 million tires since 1992.

  • Waste Not

    Alberta has achieved significant success in waste management over the last 30 years. The province has built strong programs and initiatives with support from Delegated Administrative Organizations, municipalities and other groups.

    Working with its partner organizations, Alberta Environment is pursuing a number of strategies and initiatives, all with the intent of reducing waste going to landfill and managing waste resources in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

    • Waste Reduction and Management: Too Good To Waste

      Alberta's newest waste management strategy, Too Good To Waste, identifies opportunities, outcomes and strategies to help the province move forward with innovative waste management programs. It provides a framework and long-term commitment to resource conservation and environmental protection while recognizing Alberta's accomplishments and strengths.

      The strategy focuses on developing projects that address high volume wastes such as construction, demolition and organic wastes, along with a paper and packaging program, both aimed at significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to municipal landfills.

  • Alberta's Recycling Information Line

    Alberta's Recycling Information Line answers approximately 700 calls a month on a variety of recycling and waste minimization topics from municipalities, businesses and the general public.

    This toll-free service operates from 8:15 to 4:30, Monday to Friday. Call 1-800-463-6326.

  • Resource Recovery Grant Program

    Program provides start-up capital assistance to municipalities and non-profit organizations for waste minimization projects, and has invested over nine million dollars into recycling projects in more than 200 communities.

Voluntary Programs

  • Construction, Renovation and Demolition Waste

    Alberta Environment in co-operation with a number of industry and government stakeholders is working to reduce Construction, Renovation and Demolition (CRD) waste generated in Alberta.

  • Household Hazardous Waste Round-up Program

    The Household Hazardous Waste Round-up program is currently coordinated through Alberta Environment's Action on Waste. Approximately 65 communities throughout Alberta participate in annual one-day events, with the cities of Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge hosting year-round facilities. Over 4.5 million litres equivalents of household hazardous waste materials have been safely treated and disposed of in the province since 1988.

  • Milk Container Recycling Program

    The Alberta Dairy Council launched the Milk Container Recycling Program in 1999 which provides the financial and technical support to community-based recycling programs that collect used milk containers.

  • Pesticide Management Program

    The Pesticide Management Program administers and enforces provincial legislation to ensure safe distribution, storage, use and disposal of pesticides. In 1997, over one million pesticide containers were collected in Alberta. There are approximately 100 pesticide container collection sites throughout Alberta.

Water Treatment

  • Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant

    The Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant in Edmonton is one of the most innovative facilities in North America and a leader in wastewater technology. Beginning in 2006, Gold Bar will be Canada's largest industrial water reuse facility.

  • Water for Life

    Water for Life is a provincial water strategy that outlines ways to manage Alberta's water resources more effectively.

Date Updated: Sep 30, 2008
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