If you have questions about energy efficiency, Judi Vandenbrink, Community Outreach Specialist with Green Calgary, has the answers.

For the past four years, Judi has led community workshops across Calgary that help people better understand their energy use and improve energy efficiency at home. The free Energy Efficient Future (EEF) workshops, offered by Green Calgary in partnership with ENMAX, welcome everyone from newcomers to Canada and seniors to long-time homeowners. Sessions are held year-round at community centres, halls, seniors' residences and other locations across the city.

The one-hour workshops explore home energy use, water consumption and waste, while highlighting practical ways to reduce environmental impact. Participants receive a free energy efficiency kit and create a Home Action Plan outlining their next steps.

The partnership with Green Calgary and ENMAX is a longstanding one. Green Calgary has built an excellent reputation through its many years of conservation work, so four years ago when a need to increase energy efficiency awareness was identified, it only made sense for the two organizations to come together. Both ENMAX and Green Calgary share a vision of delivering a meaningful and relevant program on energy efficiency for all Calgarians.

"The workshops have evolved over time to meet changing regulations," Judi explains. "But what hasn't changed is the excitement of participants. People are interested in learning more, and we often hear from attendees who have installed heat pumps or solar panels and are eager to share their experiences."

Judi is supported by a team of volunteers, including university students and ENMAX employees, who help answer questions and share their own experiences. Word-of-mouth has helped the program grow, with past participants often recommending workshops to friends or inviting Judi to speak with their organizations and community groups. 

The program continues to evolve beyond the existing introductory and advanced levels, with additional content tailored to renters, condo and apartment residents, and people living in affordable housing developments now available. The team is also exploring more hands-on information and techniques around things like programmable thermostat use, as this can be a barrier for energy efficiency due to lack of operating knowledge.

The EEF workshops are offered at no cost to community groups and can be booked on Green Calgary’s website or by contacting Green Calgary directly. Rest assured, if your group wants to host a workshop, Judi will be there, ready to answer questions and engage with attendees.

"I remember one freezing cold winter night I trekked through the snow to get to a workshop, half expecting no one would attend because of the weather," Judi says. "But then 21 people in toques and parkas arrived. People want to come out and learn."

One of the key messages from the workshops is that energy efficiency can be both simple and affordable. As many Calgarians look for ways to manage the cost of living, reducing wasted energy can help lower utility costs. The workshops also help participants better understand their monthly bills and identify actions they can take at home.

"There are things that can be done that make a big difference, both on your bill and on your overall footprint," Judi notes. "We like to remind attendees that little changes can add up and make an impact."

To learn more or book a free EEF workshop, visit Energy Efficient Future - Green Calgary.