The Canadian government has announced a new program that will allow homeowners to retrofit their homes to make them more energy-efficient. Oh, and there’s a chance to earn $5,000 in the process.
The Greener Homes Grant
What Is The Greener Homes Grant?
The Greener Homes Grant is a $2.6 billion program that offers to pay Canadians to install energy-saving upgrades to their homes. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan announced a plan to help homeowners upgrade heaters, install solar panels, and replace windows and doors.
“Canadians are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills and do their part to fight climate change. We are driving economic activity and creating jobs by improving energy efficiency and helping Canadians lower their carbon footprint. The Canada Greener Homes Grant is good for [Canadian’s] wallet[‘s], good for the economy and good for the planet.” – Seamus O’Regan Jr.
The federal government hopes to reach a goal of making up to 700,000 homes more energy efficient over the next seven years. The hope of this green initiative is to make homes more energy efficient in an effort to limit emissions, lower homeowner’s energy bills, and keep houses warmer in the winter.
By 2050, the Canadian government wants to meet the climate goal of net-zero emissions. As energy-inefficient buildings make up about 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative will upgrade Canadian homes to the point where they’re fighting off climate change by simply existing.
This initiative will not only help the environment but the economy too. It’s expected to create over 110,000 jobs in construction, technology, manufacturing, and sales. It will also provide new opportunities for individuals within communities of all sizes and prospects while making life more affordable by cutting electric costs.
Greener Homes Grant Process
The $5,000 grant per household will go towards the fees of covering the retrofit. Should Canadians choose to participate in this program, the first step would be to fill out an online application to have a certified advisor complete an energy evaluation of the applicant’s home. The amount of the grant is dependent on the energy-saving measures eligible to the home.
Should the homeowner choose to proceed with the green adjustments, a licensed contractor would be hired to conduct the retrofits, followed by reimbursement from the government after the modifications are inspected.
Why Be Green?
It’s important to understand the impact Canadian’s modern-day lifestyles have on the environment and how this program can help minimize this.
1. Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy derives power directly from natural sources such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and many more. Solar technologies are a great way to make homes more environmentally friendly. Homes that utilize solar power curb emissions and can mitigate the impact on the climate.
Rather than burning fossil fuels, solar-powered homes create a greener electric grid and are sourced by a more resilient and reliable form of energy. As the energy source is replenished at a rate that is equal or faster to the rate at which it is consumed, it’s growing in popularity for its efficiency alone. Homeowners can take steps to be greener and more energy-efficient through the use of renewable energy.
2. LED Lighting
LED (or light-emitting diode) lighting is not only an energy-efficient but environmentally friendly option when it comes to lighting technology. LED lightbulbs are designed to last up to 20 times longer than conventional light bulbs. This decreases the need for replacements, which cuts down the emissions produced from the manufacturing, packaging, and transportation it takes to produce new light bulbs.
LED lighting requires less energy to run, compared to fluorescent lights. Fluorescent bulbs convert roughly 95% of the energy they produce into heat and only 5% into light. Alternatively, LED bulbs are the opposite and convert 95% of their energy into light with only 5% being wasted as heat.
Individuals can cut carbon emissions and costs by choosing LED lighting, installable by expert electricians.
3. Electric Thermostat
Electric thermostats are programmable and can adjust the temperatures depending on the time of day and the external heat sources present. They’re adjustable from a distance meaning that individuals can lower the temperature of their house while at work, saving energy and money.
BPM Electric can assist with the proper installation of electric thermostats to save every household time, money, and energy.
In Summary
It’s important to consider the impact households have on the environment. Whether it’s by taking advantage of the $2.6 billion retrofit program to install solar panels or updating the fixtures in their home to hold LED lightbulbs, homeowners have access to an array of energy-saving resources. With efficient and professional help such as that from BPM Electric, homeowners can not only cut greenhouse emissions but minimize the bottom line of that cursed energy bill.