(NC) Canada is a global leader in sustainable energy, in large part because of the approaches its communities take. Cities and town across the country are embracing cleaner ways to power their homes, businesses and public spaces.

Using water for energy

Today, almost 60 per cent of Canada’s electricity comes from moving water, making hydroelectricity one of our most important sources of renewable energy. There are 15,000 dams in Canada and most of those were built to create hydroelectricity. They provide reliable energy for millions, while helping reduce the use of fossil fuels. The largest hydroelectric dam in the country is the Robert-Bourassa hydroelectric generating station in Quebec, which generates close to 20 per cent of the province’s energy.

Harnessing the power of wind

Wind energy currently accounts for approximately seven per cent of Canada’s electricity, with Alberta and Ontario leading the pack in terms of producing the most wind energy at 31 and 30 per cent of the country’s total. As turbine blades spin, they capture the energy of the wind, which is then converted into clean electricity that helps power homes, schools, and businesses. The largest wind farm in Canada is the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm, based in Vulcan County, Alberta with 83 turbines.

Innovative approaches in urban environments

While many of these sustainable energy solutions are found in more rural areas due to size requirements, cities are also finding creative ways to harness power from the natural environment.

One example is Therme Group, which is developing a new wellness destination with pools, waterslides and saunas on Toronto's waterfront. The project will use the natural thermal properties of Lake Ontario to support the facility's heating and cooling needs. By using the lake as a renewable energy source, the facility will help show how urban developments can effectively use environmentally conscious design.

Canada's approach to sustainable energy reflects our geography and abundance of natural resources. From harnessing the power of rivers or lakes to capturing wind or solar across the country, significant investments are being made into solutions that support our environmental goals for a better, healthier future.