ENMAX Energy is an Alberta-based competitive generation and retail business, providing retail electricity, natural gas and customer care services throughout the province. They are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility across their operations.
The team at ENMAX Energy’s Cavalier Energy Centre had been looking to uphold this commitment while solving a problem—how to maintain the extensive grounds around the generation facility without resorting to the use of herbicides.
The solution was to bring in a herd of goats.
Goats are natural weeders. The goats tend to the vegetation around Cavalier Energy Centre in the summer and fall, clearing the land of invasive and noxious weeds, and helping to lessen the risk of fire. The goats also help to regenerate the soil by aerating, mulching and fertilizing, allowing natural ecosystems to return. While onsite, they are supervised by a team of experienced goat herders who make sure they stay on task and don’t wander too far afield.
The herd of over 200 goats first arrived at Cavalier Energy Centre in the summer of 2021. Their initial visit was so successful, they were welcomed back twice, with plans for their return in spring/summer 2023. After repeat visits at the facility, the all-natural weed management program with the herd will shift from initial clearing to basic maintenance, saving time, money and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional herbicide treatments.
