FAQ
Q1. When can I get an assessment?
Assessments will begin March 2007 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Q2. How long will an energy assessment take?
An energy assessment will take a half day or a full day depending on the size of your operation and the type of equipment and processes involved.
Q3. Who performs the assessment? Are the assessors credibly verified?
OnFarm program assessors are experienced individuals with either an agricultural or energy assessing background. The On Farm program will provide training to ensure assessors are qualified and that assessments are standardized.
Q4. Why do I (the producer) pay $200. What is that money going towards/What is that money paying for?
$200 is small portion of the actual cost of the assessment (approximately 10% of the total estimated cost). This $200 will help pay for the assessors’ activities.
Q5. Why are only swine, poultry and dairy producers being offered this energy assessment?
The On Farm program is a pilot project with a limited scope and budget. While other types of operations were considered, at this stage, swine, dairy and poultry operations were chosen as they are generally the most energy intensive operations within the agriculture industry.
Q6. Who will see the assessment report and what will they do with it?
Individual reports remain confidential. These reports will only be seen by the assessor, program administrators and the farm owner/operator. The data from the assessment reports will be used to develop a database of information on an aggregate level that will later be available to the public. Aggregate data will not identify individual operations or producers.
Q7. Will I be judged on my farm’s performance?
No. Individual farm performance is kept private. The results of the assessment are meant to help with energy management on the farm.
Q8. What happens if I don’t implement the recommendations from the assessment report?
There is no requirement to implement assessment recommendations; however, it is hoped the information provided will be valuable and provide the rationale to implement change.
Q9. How long does the whole process take – from assessment to report?
The on-site visit will be conducted in accordance to your schedule. After the site visit has been conducted, a report should be produced and delivered within eight weeks.
Q10. Who is Climate Change Central?
Climate Change Central is a unique public-private not-for-profit that promotes the development of innovative responses to global climate change and its impacts. Climate Change Central builds links and relationships between businesses, governments and other stakeholders in Alberta interested in pursuing greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
Q11. What are the pre-assessment materials I am supposed to send to Climate Change Central?
In your application package, you must include a completed application form, a signed biosecurity form, electricity and natural gas bills for the 12 consecutive months prior to your assessment appointment, a site map of your operation and the $200 cheque made out to Climate Change Central.
Q12. How are candidates being chosen? What is a suitable candidate?
- Candidates will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve. To secure a spot, you must submit your completed application package and your cheque must be successfully processed. Your assessment appointment will be then be scheduled.
- You need to be a swine, poultry or dairy producer.
- Your operation must be within Southern Alberta
Other restrictions do apply. Please refer to the eligibility requirements on the website to confirm eligibility
Q13. What is involved in a follow-up survey?
You will be contacted after your assessment has been conducted to determine if you found value in the assessment process and the assessment report itself.