CALGARY — The government of Alberta says it will spend $18 million to help municipalities improve the energy efficiency of their public buildings.

Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz says the money will be used to hire staff, replace windows, upgrade lights and make other improvements.

It’s aimed at facilities such as arenas and community centres.

Schulz has not said what the program’s guidelines are or how much it is expected to reduce energy use.

The money is to come from the province’s carbon levy on industrial emitters.

The program is being welcomed by groups representing the province’s large and small communities.

In a release, the government says a similar program has already improved facilities in Calgary and Barrhead, saving both communities money and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2024.

The Canadian Press