UFA's sustainability strategy focuses on a reduction to the impact we make on the environment and delivering value to our membership and local rural communities. To meet that commitment, we are required to look for ways to continuously improve and operate as sustainably as possible, across all elements of our business, be that from the products we source and sell, to the buildings and facilities we work in.
UFA has been implementing projects across our 150 + facilities that have improved not only the customer experience, but sustainability, operational and maintenance initiatives. Improved construction materials and building techniques have enhanced the insulation efficiency, ventilation performance and lighting standards. In 2012, UFA installed the first LED lights in the network. Before that, all lighting was either Metal Halide or florescent generating. In the case of Metal Halide, there were high energy and maintenance costs in addition to heat gains, in some cases requiring additional energy to cool those same facilities in summer. The additional bonus in installing LED within the stores, in the yard and on our cardlock islands is that they are brighter, creating enhanced customer experience inside the stores and increased safety and security outside, with less light pollution to the environment.
From the first installation at our Grimshaw site, we saw a decrease in energy consumption of 72% annually. Since 2012, UFA has converted 58 petroleum sites and six farm stores across our network, realizing a total energy reduction of 2.9 GWHs, the equivalent energy to power the town of Oyen (or approximately 400 homes for a year).
UFA plans to upgrade all facilities to LED lighting within the next five years which will result in a total energy saving of 5.6 GWH annually, a reduction of 70% from 2012 levels, or the equivalent electricity consumption to power the homes in the town of Provost or Valleyview (or 800 homes).
The graph below shows the reduction in energy consumption we have achieved since 2012.
In addition to the LED initiative, we have also upgraded numerous store HVAC systems to more efficient units and distribution systems, again decreasing operating costs, increasing performance and reducing energy consumption.
In the last 15 years, there have also been significant developments and enhancements to equipment and technology. Our petroleum tanks and dispensers are now electronically monitored 24/7 for changes in fuel levels and leaks by sensors that are interlocked to pumps to stop any leaks. All of our facilities (petroleum and farm stores) have or will be upgraded to improve building functionality, efficiency and, of course, reduce energy consumption.
