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EnerGuide for Homes: Tracking Energy Efficiency to Drive Sustainable Living
When you buy an appliance there is an “energuide” rating posted on the door of the appliance. An energy guide program for properties is the process of tracking and recording a building’s energy performance over time, based on the fundamental principle that building energy consumption must be measured before it can be managed. Performance data can help owners to identify operational efficiency improvements and retrofit projects. Not to mention the benefit for potential home buyers or businesses in knowing the operating costs before purchase.
Government of Canada
The EnerGuide Energy Efficiency Home Evaluations program exists as a part of
the Canada Greener Homes Initiative program. It provides the analysis that
allows homeowners to apply for 10-year interest free loans to implement the
appropriate home improvements.
In western Canada several cities, provincial governments, institutions and private
sector businesses and organizations have advocated for and/or implemented an
equivalent for homes, institutions and business properties.
British Columbia
The Building Benchmark BC program exists in several municipalities in BC and
is supported by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, the Real Estate
Foundation of B.C., UBC and BC Hydro. In year #4 there were 1,700 participating
buildings comprising more than 13.8 million square meters of space.
Alberta
Edmonton and Calgary and some surrounding municipalities have developed a (Change Homes For Climate Guide) program. It is supported by Scotiabank, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and the Alberta Real Estate Foundation.
Edmonton
Edmonton’s Home Energy Map reveals the energy efficiency of thousands of
homes across Edmonton and surrounding cities. The map shows you how your
home’s energy use compares with other homes. Good to know if you are
considering buying that home.
Edmonton also has the Lightspark’s Energy Efficiency Concierge platform,
(Change Homes For Climate Guide) which will help homeowners shift from
thinking to acting on home carbon reduction.
Edmonton also has the Home Energy Toolkit that provides tools, tests and
information to help homeowners understand their energy use and identify ways to
save energy and money. It is available through the public library.
Calgary
Benchmark YYC allows building owners and operators to measure, track, and
share their buildings energy and emissions. This facilitates smart choices to
improve energy use and cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and plan for long-
term improvements. There have been rebates available to participating property
owners.
Saskatoon
In October 2023 70,000 homes received a virtual energy score and a roadmap to
improve the efficiency and comfort of their home. Residential energy consumption
makes up 42% of Saskatoon’s carbon emissions. Saskatoon’s goal is to reduce
residential energy use by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
However, if every Saskatoon homeowner implements their recommended energy
conservation measures – the city can reduce its energy and carbon emissions by
two thirds! Learn more
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