Energy
Efficiency Program
Why is energy efficiency important?
Energy consumption and production is responsible for serious environmental problems, relating specifically to the construction of power plants and to greenhouse gas emissions which are the primary cause of climate change. To limit these impacts, energy efficiency is an important avenue to develop, especially for Canada, which has one of the highest energy consumption rates per capita in the world. Also, by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, Canada committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy efficiency helps the environment because it avoids wasting resources and overproducing energy. Also, in terms of the economy, it frees up capital for individuals as well as for the whole of society. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, Canadians could save 30 billion dollars per year if they achieved the potential for energy conservation that is currently available. That's a lot of money going out the window! ...
Is energy efficiency our personal concern?
The potential is in each one of us. It has to do with our lifestyles and, in particular, to the quantity of energy consumed to heat our households and run our motorised vehicles. Because of those necessities, individuals and families are responsible for 31% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Consequently, we all contribute to climate change. Fortunately, we are also part of the solution.
Energy efficiency services offered by Équiterre
Équiterre's Energy Efficiency Program aims to educate the public to the impact that energy consumption habits have on the environment and on health. The program also aims to help people save money and improve their comfort at home.
To achieve this, people just have to make a certain number of small gestures on a daily basis. A bit of sealing around windows and installing small energy saving devices can also have a significant impact on the reduction of energy consumption. Homeowners can also be assisted in identifying renovations that could save energy.
To help individuals find solutions, Équiterre offers three onsite consultation services:
- Energy efficiency visits for low-income families
- Energy efficiency training visits
- Rénoclimat Program