Sustainability
At the community level, sustainability means bringing together systems, practices, and materials with education, policy, planning, and regulation to support long-term viability. It focuses on preventing or reducing harm to the natural environment and conserving resources for the future.
Sustainable communities take a coordinated, strategic approach to social, economic, and environmental challenges to support a healthy and resilient future.
Energy Management Plan
In June 2021 the municipality passed it’s first Energy Management Plan, this plan was possible through partnering with several neighboring communities, and Efficiency Nova Scotia to better manage energy use and plan for long-term efficiency in County-owned buildings.
This Energy Management Plan provides a clear framework for reducing energy costs, improving building performance, and lowering emissions. Based on energy audits, the plan identifies opportunities to save over 110,000 kWh of energy and approximately $20,000 each year.
It also establishes a baseline to track future improvements and supports a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from County buildings by 35% by 2031.
Net Zero Community Building Project
The Net Zero Community Building Project is an energy project for community centres and municipal buildings across the County. The goal was to reduce operating costs of these facilities, improve comfort, lower emissions, support emergency use, and allow volunteers to focus more on services and opportunities they provide for their communities rather than facility expenses.
Upgrades included the installation of heat pumps, solar energy systems connected to the Nova Scotia Power grid, energy-efficient lighting and controls, and improved roof and foundation insulation.
Facilities that received upgrades include: Keppoch Mountain Lodge, Highlander Curling Club, St. Andrews Community Centre, Heatherton Community Centre, Havre Boucher Community Centre, St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Arisaig Community Parish Centre and Lakevale Community Centre.
Project Highlights
- Saves 438,000 kWh / $70K annually; payback ~3 years
- Completed structural & energy audits of all buildings
- Cuts 440 tons CO₂/year (20,000 trees equivalent)
- Improves comfort, lowers maintenance & future costs
- Supports local economy
- Total budget: $1.497M
Timeline
The project, wrapped up in Spring 2026 – a year ahead of schedule! Stay tuned for information about the commissioning celebration and info session in the Fall of 2026!
This project was made possible through the work of local contractors (Carmichaels Engineering, Stanton Solar, Geddes & Murphy Electric), Strait Engineering Ltd., A.H. Roy, and many, many, dedicated community volunteers.
For more information, contact Tammy Feltmate at tammy.feltmate@antigonishcounty.ca
Listening To Our Neighbours, Exploring The Changing Climate in Antigonish NS, documents part of our local story.
Additional Information
- In the spring of 2007 Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act was passed. This Act outlines a number of goals the province set to become recognized internationally as one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world. Local government plays an important role in this happening.
- The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and a Municipal Climate Change Action Plan. These plans although dated remain the foundation for the work the Municipality does and help define our approach to building resilience and striving for sustainability in our community.