We need a vision and plan for energy efficiency in Canada.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama issued a joint statement on climate, energy, and Arctic leadership http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/10/us-canada-joint-statement-climate-energy-and-arctic-leadership . This is welcome news given the scant attention these issues received under the Harper Government. While specific details need to be worked out, I am particularly encouraged that both leaders identified energy efficiency as one of the priority areas in addressing climate change as well as economic growth. Efforts to save energy such as building codes, standards, incentive programs and technologies are significantly less costly than other energy resource options. In addition, energy efficiency/conservation programs create lots of well paying jobs in communities right across our country.
Despite the many benefits that energy efficiency brings to our economy and environment, it rarely gets the same attention than other sectors do. Politicians love to cut ribbons…and let’s face it, a new technology or clean energy project is more visible than a kilowatt hour saved. It’s a much better media story! The reality is however, that energy efficiency/conservation is one of the most cost effective options for saving individuals/businesses money, fostering innovation and creating jobs.
It's time for an in-depth exploration on the role that energy efficiency can play in achieving Canada’s climate targets. Canada is behind the U.S. in some important areas related to energy efficiency…and critically the Federal Government has yet to commit to renewing the funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency. Organizations such as the Alliance to Save Energy have established a vision on energy efficiency including advocating a goal of doubling energy productivity in the U.S. by 2030 https://www.ase.org/policy/energy2030 It’s time to do something similar here in Canada!
While less visible than other clean energy solutions, extensive independent evaluations have consistently demonstrated the value of energy efficiency including:
- Making Canadian business more competitive in the global marketplace as a result of reduced operating costs;
- Creating sustainable jobs in communities through energy efficiency retrofits and added value design and construction;
- Reducing reliance on imported, non-renewable resources; and,
- Reducing the environmental impacts associated with energy extraction, generation and use.
As Canada works toward developing a plan to meet ambitious targets, it’s crucial that the Federal Government recognize that energy efficiency is the starting point for climate action. This will be an easier sell to the Provinces than other measures. Provinces such as Manitoba, British Columbia and Nova Scotia are global leaders in the design and implementation of conservation programs that help industry, commercial businesses and home owners reduce energy consumption and save money. What is missing is a national vision and plan related to energy efficiency; including targets, timelines and details on measures such as technology, financial instruments, programs and innovations in the digital space that may be exportable solutions. It’s time to move beyond feel good announcements to getting on with creating a national vision and plan for an energy efficient Canadian economy.
FVB Principal for ESAP
8yRocky Mountain Institute has been promoting this for years - the term I believe they used was "negawatts", a significant discount to any megawatt! EE is the low fruit that must be aggressively pursued!
Freelance Writer | Health Care | Finance | HR
8yWhat I've been saying for years. Let's hope this concept finally gets some traction with the politicians. Thanks for posting this.
Strategic marketing for climate action.
8yclimateaction.ca and a Canadian collaborative, Climate Action Canada. Just saying, we need to take control and craft the leadership initiative ourselves. Wouldn't be saying if I didn't have something in mind... good article, Ian. Glad to see you are active as ever.
Chairman Steep Hill Labs
8yExcellent point Jesse. I sense that the new Government genuinely wants to do something on climate change. One issue they face is bringing some Provinces on-side. No Province including Saskatchewan (SaskPower is active in the EE space) will argue against energy efficiency as a easy first step...particularly if it creates jobs in hard hit markets. We don't have roadmap in place to make this happen...let alone commitment in funding. As a sector, we need to put more pressure on the Feds to act on this issue.
Executive Director, AEEA
8yI agree. We should be using this opportunity to significantly increase the level of EE ambition across the country and the fed-prov discussions around climate policy are where this needs to happen. The big question is how do we get them to pay attention to it in a significant way?