Canada expects to announce this week that all new cars will have to be zero emissions by 2035, a senior government source said, as Ottawa is set to unveil new regulations in the latest example of countries around the world pushing for electrification. The new rules, known as the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, would help ensure supply is available to the Canadian market and shorten wait times to get an electric vehicle.
While world leaders in Dubai grapple to sign an agreement on fossil fuel phase-out or phase-down, Halton Hills Town Council showed local leadership on Monday, December 11. In a 9-2 decision, the Council acted in the best interests of residents and the planet rather than taking the $3.5 million in public money OPG had offered the Council to buy into its polluting plan.
The year’s top insights from climate science draw a familiar but urgent conclusion: that every pathway to holding global warming to the 1.5°C target in the 2015 Paris agreement depends on phasing out fossil fuels. That was the conclusion of a weekend media briefing with a team of climate scientists.
Big Oil Oil & gas companies want $billions for carbon capture & hydrogen – two false solutions to the climate crisis that won’t do much to reduce emissions but will allow the industry to continue to pump out polluting fossil fuels.
A survey of building retrofits under the Canada Greener Homes program says funding limits are holding homeowners back from more extensive energy efficiency improvements, just as national polling shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians looking for relief on their home heating bills.
Canadian government is set to announce new rules and funding around methane. The new rules will be a crucial part of Ottawa’s COP28 climate plan. About 200 countries will gather in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023 for the COP28 meeting, which will explore more forceful action against climate change.
Windfall Centre's Executive Director, Brent Kopperson, who spoke with CBC News on the implication of the current reality of the program, said the program's current plight feels like déjà vu. He pointed out that the previous federal government pulled the plug on a similarly popular ecoEnergy home retrofit program in 2012.
The Canadian government has launched a new program that will dole out up to $180 million to support Indigenous-owned and led renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon heating projects. The Indigenous Leadership Fund was developed in collaboration with First Nations representatives, Inuit organizations, and Métis governments, Environment and Climate Change Canada said in a news release.
Canadian emissions monitoring company GHGSat last weekend launched a satellite aimed at detecting carbon dioxide emissions from individual facilities like coal plants and steel mills from space for the first time.
In 2022, Green Communities Canada (GCC) worked with its 22 member organizations which includes Windfall Centre, to establish key metrics that could be collectively shared for the purpose of delivering equitable climate solutions that address the vulnerabilities and opportunities in their communities.
The 2023 Production Gap report says the countries are planning to produce 110 per cent more fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, and 69 per cent more fossil fuels than what's in line with a target of 2 C.
Titled ‘Retrofitting Canada's Homes: Progress Report #1’ the document shares the importance of promoting deep energy retrofits and the need for more incentives, the new report by Green Communities Canada(GCC) makes recommendations to help Canada meet its GHG emission goals. Read Full News Release
Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault speaking at a forum on sustainable finance in Ottawa last week, warned that Canada is falling behind global competitors in the race to attract the investment needed to fuel the transition to a net-zero economy.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week Thursday announced a three-year carbon tax exemption for home heating oil and higher carbon tax rebates for people in rural areas, measures he said were intended to bring relief amid soaring costs of living.
A new survey finds Canadian business leaders increasingly see climate change plans as good for their bottom line. The survey commissioned by BMO of 700 small and medium business leaders in Canada and the U.S. found that 62 per cent of those north of the border see a climate change plan as good for business, up from 47 per cent in the survey last year.
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) on Wednesday, October 18 released its National Climate Strategy, putting a First Nations lens on the climate crisis by focusing more on language and cultural revitalization and a reciprocal relationship with the natural world.
As part of its long-term efforts to tackle climate change, the federal government is offering $12.5 million for environmental literacy projects aimed at young Canadians. The money will come from the federal Environmental Damages Fund, which redirects the money companies pay from court penalties and settlements to projects that repair environmental damage.
New data from the Canadian Climate Institute published last week Thursday shows that emissions from the oil and gas industry and buildings continued to climb in the previous year, undercutting Canada's overall emissions reduction progress
Fall officially began on Saturday, September 23 at 2:50 a.m. EDT, and we've highlighted some home energy saving tips to help you enjoy an energy-efficient home this season.
Buildings are the top greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters by sector, but also, they provide a greater opportunity for municipalities to reduce their emissions. Benchmarking allows for the identification of opportunities for change to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of municipal services. Read more
Energy-conscious homeowners are constantly looking for cost-effective ways to reduce their energy bills and get the most out of their home retrofit upgrades. If you're one of them, there are several reasons why you should consider a heat pump.
As Canadians continue to be impacted by the devastating effects of climate-related wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events this year, the Government of Canada is accelerating efforts to cut carbon pollution at the pace and scale needed to keep the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement within reach.
Space and water heating in Canada account for most building emissions, both residential and commercial. Electrifying buildings will be essential to meet 2050 net-zero emissions targets. Heat pumps are an integral part of this solution, as they use electricity efficiently to heat and cool buildings while replacing fossil fuels. However, there are certain myths about heat pumps that must be debunked to increase their wide-spread acceptance.
The study, published Monday, September 11 in the journal Joule, examined the efficiency of air-source heat pumps in sub-zero scenarios down to minus 10 degrees Celsius — “mild cold climates” similar to the populated coastal regions of British Columbia. The research was led by Canadian Duncan Gibb, a senior advisor at the Brussels-based Regulatory Assistance Project.
For the first time since the landmark Paris Agreement was signed, the United Nations has published an analysis of the world’s progress in cutting global greenhouse gas emissions and finds that although the window for action is quickly closing, solutions are well within reach.
Canadian households could cut their energy bills by $10.4 billion and reduce climate pollution from home heating by 19.6 million tonnes by 2035 by using heat pumps for cooling rather than air conditioners, a new report receives.
The 2023 Aviva How We Live Report reveals that one in five Canadian households are prepared to make major renovations to their homes within the next 5-10 years to mitigate the risk from climate-related weather events.
The Durham Greener Homes Program has received national recognition through a recent video released by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The video highlights the program and its innovative, third-party financing model that makes energy efficient home upgrades more accessible and affordable for homeowners.
The documentary covers questions like what is the Ontario Greenbelt?, why is having protected land important? What is Bill 23? and why is the Greenbelt being developed?
Amid a summer of severe wildfires and flooding, the federal environment minister expressed no concern over plans by a Norwegian energy company to drill for more oil off the coast of Newfoundland.
Some young adults are switching career paths to keep up with a changing world. Studying to become a social worker and passionate about working with youth and families, Julie Boyce was focusing on child welfare. Until, she says, she realized how "pressing" the issue of climate change is.
The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario is making concerted efforts to solve the housing challenges facing us while protecting the environment from detrimental laws. In this webinar, they shared with participants what can be done to solve the housing challenges facing us while protecting the environment.
On Thursday, July 27, 2023 Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault told Reuters that Canada will likely publish the final regulations of a plan to cap and cut greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector by mid-2024.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self‑Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada
We are seeking an individual passionate about climate action to fill the Home Energy Customer Service Representative position. This is an entry level position, and training will include communications for climate action and sustainability programs, customer service, program details and delivery, job shadowing, and what’s involved in an energy evaluation.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault has announced that Canada is contributing $450 million to a fund to support developing countries in paying for climate action amid fears other wealthy nations will backslide.
Community builders including Windfall Centre were saluted as “the mortar that tightly binds the bricks of our community” on Monday evening, May 29 at Aurora’s annual Community Recognition Awards.
This webinar by Durham Greener Homes and Toronto and Region Conservative Authority's Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) will delve into why they are one of the most raved-about home energy retrofit technologies.
Enjoy free home delivery on your rain barrel orders beginning the week of Monday, June 19, 2023. Free delivery covers tanks, barrels or composters and any accessories ordered with them. Orders of "accessories only" are subject to a flat $20 delivery fee.
The successful candidate will work alongside the ClimateWise Business Network Program Manager in overseeing all aspects of our business programs in York and Durham Regions.
The annual inventory of Canada's emissions for 2021, published Friday, April 14, 2023, showed emissions from all sources that year added up to 670 million tonnes. That's up from 659 million tonnes in 2020.
Canada's national carbon price saw its largest hike yet on Saturday, Aril 1, 2023 when it jumped from $50 per tonne of emissions to $65. But the rebates millions of households receive to compensate them for the surcharge are also set to rise.
The new Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, a partnership of Enbridge Gas and Canada's Greener Homes Grant, will help more Ontarians save energy at home. Join Windfall Centre, Reep Green Solutions and Green Venture at the Live Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program (HER+) Learning session.
Canada's federal government has partnered with Enbridge Gas to co-deliver the Canada Greener Homes rebates in Ontario. The Canada Greener Homes rebates and the provincial rebates have been combined into the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+).
©2024 Windfall Ecology Centre
In Ontario the Canada Greener Homes rebates and the provincial rebates have been combined into the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
This means Ontario residents will no longer sign-up for the Canada Greener Homes rebates through the federal government's web-portal, but rather with Enbridge Gas through the NRCan Registered Energy Advisor you choose to do the required EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation of your home.
This new rebate structure streamlines the process by combining both the federal Greener Homes incentives with the Ontario incentives. Through the combined incentives, you can get up to $10,000 in cash-back rebates, plus an additional rebate of up to $600 for the required EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations.
Read Press Release.
CAC Webinar: Municipal Building Benchmarking Opportunities
Sep 29, 2023 10:00 AM
Buildings are the top greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters by sector, but also, they provide a greater opportunity for municipalities to reduce their emissions. Benchmarking allows for the identification of opportunities for change to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of municipal services. Additionally, tracking the building's energy saves money.
Broader Public Sector (BPS) buildings in Ontario, which include municipally owned buildings, schools, hospitals and more, are required to report energy use and GHG emissions annually. In this webinar, Windfall centre's Director of Operations, Kyle Mennie will present their BPS Building Comparison Map and share more about the ClimateWise Building Challenge – Targeting to benchmark over 1300 commercial and institutional buildings in York and Durham over the next 3 years.
Home Energy Saving Tips for Fall
Fall officially began on Saturday, September 23 at 2:50 a.m. EDT, and we've highlighted some home energy saving tips to help you enjoy an energy-efficient home this season.
To enjoy an even more energy-efficient home, book an expert home energy evaluation
Ottawa's green grants program for homeowners is running out of money faster than expected
Brent Kopperson, executive director of Durham's Windfall Ecology Centre, who spoke to CBC News on the implication of the program's current reality said one of his staff members attended a meeting in November with NRCAN officials and was warned the program could wind down soon.
Kopperson said the program's current plight feels like déjà vu. He pointed out that the previous federal government pulled the plug on a similarly popular ecoEnergy home retrofit program in 2012.
Kopperson said that retrofit program led to the emergence of new firms specializing in decarbonizing homes. History could repeat itself, he warned.
"We are in a climate emergency and we can't be putting our feet on the brakes. We need to really be accelerating the program," he said. "So to end this program prematurely without an immediate replacement would cause significant havoc in the sector."
NEWS RELEASE
Over 8,000 Deep Energy Retrofits in 3 Years Raises Hope About Achieving GHG targets, but Federal Incentives Must Grow: Report
Peterborough, On, 8 November 2023: Green Communities Canada has completed an in-depth review of federal data on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada’s low-rise housing sector and makes recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the Canada Greener Home Grant incentive program.
A new report published by Green Communities Canada analyzed data from over 188,000 building retrofits documented with the EnerGuide rating system across Canada in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
“The data shows the number of home retrofit projects has increased nearly fourfold since the launch of the Canada Greener Home Grant, but the average energy savings are modest at just 21 per cent." says Kai Millyard, Green Communities Canada’s EnerGuide service organization manager who led the data analysis. "This will result in the need to spend billions more on rapid electrical utility expansion to meet our climate goals as electricity replaces fossil fuels.”
Retrofitting Canada's Homes: Progress Report #1 recommends accelerating deep energy retrofits — renovations that result in over 50 per cent energy savings — as the key to achieving the country’s GHG emission goals while minimizing the societal costs associated with the energy transition.
"Over 8,000 homeowners have shown that much deeper savings are possible in all parts of the country," says Millyard, "but these are just one in 16 retrofits now — the incentives are too small for widespread deep retrofitting."
“The retrofit industry describes a three-step strategy to retrofit and decarbonize housing." says Jared Kolb, Green Communities Canada Executive Director. “The first step in any home retrofit project should be to improve the thermal efficiency of houses to reduce energy consumption, followed by the electrification of equipment, including introducing heat pumps and electric water heaters. As the last step, houses can add renewable energy systems like solar panels to create local energy generation capacity.”
The report makes recommendations for Natural Resources Canada and others to accelerate deep energy retrofits and help Canada meet its GHG emission goals.
Fast facts from the report:
About Green Communities Canada
Green Communities Canada is a national non-profit that has been leading community-based climate action since 1995. The organization shares resources and co-creates programming with over 50 member and partner organizations across the country to ensure transformative and equitable climate action. Green Communities Canada has been designing and delivering home energy retrofit programs for over 25 years, including piloting the Government of Canada’s EnerGuide auditing program and designing the Province of Ontario’s first low income retrofit programs – both among the most successful energy demand management programs in our country’s history.
Contact Green Communities Canada
Jose Joy
Communications Lead
437-228-9259
Kai Millyard
Report Author
416-651-7141