Building a Sustainable Future at GEF

April 22 – Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference. At GEF Seniors Housing, sustainability is part of everything we do. Our goal is simple: to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for seniors while reducing our environmental impact.

Our new Energy and Water Management Policy is a practical approach to using resources wisely, lowering utility costs, and ensuring our buildings are efficient for years to come.

But sustainability isn’t just about buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. That’s why we’re inviting everyone from staff, residents, and volunteers to get involved.

Sustainability starts with the people who live, work and volunteer in our communities.

Use Less, Save More, Live Better

With 41 buildings across Edmonton, we know that small changes add up. Our energy and water management initiatives focus on seven key areas:

✔ Electricity – Installing high-efficiency lighting, occupancy sensors in common areas, and smart energy management systems.


✔ Water Conservation – Using high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and water recycling initiatives.


✔ Natural Gas – Upgrading to high-efficiency units such as HVAC, boilers, and other mechanical systems.


✔ Fuel Usage – Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles and strategic travel routes.


✔ Communication & Engagement – Educating staff and residents about conservation and discussing ideas for improvement.


✔ Emerging Technologies & Continuous Improvement – Exploring and adopting new technology for energy and water conservation while continually conducting performance assessments to improve.

✔ Client Participation – Encouraging simple habits that reduce energy and water use as well as provide incentives for participating in sustainability initiatives.

This work aligns with our Sustainability Framework which helps GEF meet social, environmental, and economic goals while enhancing both the natural environment and the lives of our community members.

Upgrading to high-efficiency light fixtures, turning off taps, using fuel efficient vehicles, and turning off lights when leaving – all help to create a greener future for all.

Real Progress, Real Impact

The progress we have made since the introduction of our Sustainability Framework includes:

🏡 Boiler upgrades at GEF Kiwanis Place and GEF Grace Garden Court – Replacing old 80% efficient boilers with 88% efficient models to reduce fuel use.


🛗 Elevator modernization at GEF Kiwanis Place – Installing gearless motors that use less power.

🔧 Roof replacement at GEF Ansgar Villa – Upgrading to an energy-efficient roofing system with improved durability and insulation.

Upgrades made at GEF communities: Ansgar Villa, Grace Garden Court, and Kiwanis Place are already making a difference.

These upgrades help lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and make our buildings more comfortable for residents. Every dollar saved on utilities is a dollar that can be reinvested in Quality of Life programs that benefit seniors.

In addition, improvements like these help us work towards our goal of achieving ISO 50001: 2018 certification related to energy management.

How You Can Help

Sustainability works best when everyone is involved. Whether it’s turning off unused lights, turning off taps, or finding new ways to save energy, small actions matter.

Watch for posters coming to your GEF communities and take action to use less, save more, and live better!

Together, we can build a future that’s better for seniors and better for our planet.