Going Green!

Show Me the Money!
AGW Going Green = Results in substainal energy and finanical savings

Major retrofits at the AGW have led to unprecendented energy savings. Thanks to a $150,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant in 2008, the Gallery has completed a number of upgrades to the its heating and ventilation systems resulting in lowering energy and water consumption while maintaining the institution's Category 'A' Canadian museum status.

The changes to our systems has resulted in greener and more economically sustainable operations. The savings are remarkable and have already surpassed the value of the Trillium grant. Proving its viability, the additonal financial investment made by the Gallery has already begun to pay for itself through these savings, which is approximately $8-$12,000 monthly.

The AGW has achieved three main objectives:

Energy Efficiency: The installation of the new energy efficient boilers with a feed water recovery tank has decreased the consumption of chilled water (produced by electricity), hot water (produced by natural gas), along with reducing the chemicals required to treat the water.

Stability of Environmental Controls: In the past the AGW has experienced difficulty in maintaining consistent humidity and temperature controls. By retrofitting the existing HVAC system, the Gallery has been able to stabilize the levels and maintain temperatures of 20 degress celsius and 50% relative humidity on a continual basis.

Financial: The savings have helped to reduce facility costs which are the second major expenditure of the AGW.

This significant reduction in energy consumption has helped the Gallery reduce its carbon footprint while creating financial gains and stability for the AGW on a long term basis. The energy costs are a major component to the institution's budget, the reduction in these costs have resulted in long term viability.

The AGW commissioned an Energy Audit through Integrated Designs Inc. that resulted in fifteen separate recommendations, April 4, 2007.