Energy Gabriola (incorporated as the Sustainable Energy Co-op of Gabriola) is a Gabriola co-operative dedicated to providing sustainable energy education and alternatives for Gabriolans and to contributing to significant reductions in Gabriola’s GHG emissions
Energy Gabriola is currently involved in four important energy initiatives:
Solar Energy
Energy Gabriola will be promoting and facilitating the installation of solar PV arrays for community projects on Gabriola Island. We also plan to work with the Gabriola Investment Co-op to provide opportunities for Gabriolans to invest in solar energy projects on the island.
Heat Pumps
Energy Gabriola has assumed the role of administering the purchase of heat pumps on Gabriola, continuing the project started by Island Futures. This provides significant savings on air-to-air heat pumps. We are also researching the potential of air-to-water heat pumps for production of hot water and in-floor heating systems.
BioDiesel
Energy Gabriola creates biodiesel using the waste vegetable oil from Gabriola’s restaurants. While most of the fuel is currently being used by GERTIE, some may be available for other Gabriolans. A liquid soap known as GLEAN is a by-product of the biodiesel process, and is available at Nature Spirit Earth Market or from Energy Gabriola.
Portable Energy & Storage - Goal Zero
Energy Gabriola will be a distributor for Goal Zero (goalzero.com) portable solar panels, battery storage systems and a range of other products. These entry-level solar systems will reduce your electricity consumption and provide portable power, or backup power when the grid is down. AVAILABLE TO ORDER (click on the image to find out more)
How the Sustainable Energy Co-op of Gabriola will achieve our stated purposes:
ACTIONS
provide wholesale/bulk buy price for low carbon products such as solar panels, storage units and heat pumps
produce low carbon products such as biodiesel and soap and provide ‘at cost’ prices
provide access for low income resi- dents to low carbon energy products without financial burden
help individuals and community or- ganizations access low carbon energy products through grants
MEASUREMENTS
kWh reduction per residence
kWh reduction in community
GHG reduction in the communi- ty due to products accessed through the cooperative
ACTIONS
- provide opportunities to reduce reli- ance on the BC Hydro energy grid such as off grid solar or wind systems
research and implement options for off grid systems
provide options for alternatives to transportation fuel
MEASUREMENTS
kWh reduction per residence
kWh reduction in community
purchases of low carbon non- corporate energy options
ACTIONS
local capital used to purchase low carbon energy systems and conserva- tion measures.
labour required for producing and installing low carbon products pro- vides work for local residents
MEASUREMENTS
funds invested in low carbon energy
jobs created
ACTIONS
- provide educational sessions to the community regarding energy conser- vation as well as alternatives to fossil fuel energy choices
MEASUREMENTS
- number of community members attending sessions and corre- sponding actions to reduce en- ergy use (reduced GHG from energy use in community)
ACTIONS
research innovative low carbon initiatives that are applicable to the Gabriola community and promote
MEASUREMENTS
new low carbon options implemented on Gabriola