Durham Region Intensifies Low-Carbon Efforts With Greener Homes Program
Canadians are all too familiar with climate change’s devastating impacts, including wildfires, higher temperatures and rising sea levels. These issues are severely affecting our economy, food supply and water and air quality, and they will continue worsening if we don’t act.
To combat the alarming effects of the climate emergency on communities in Canada, the government has set ambitious targets, pledging to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Reaching this goal will require a collective effort, but many people do not know where to start. A new initiative is making these changes more attainable for Durham residents.
What Is the Durham Greener Homes Program?
Durham homeowners who want to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint can now take advantage of the Durham Greener Homes program, which encourages people to complete comprehensive home energy retrofits in keeping with the current Durham Community Energy Plan.
Accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy will lead to multiple economic, environmental and social benefits, but it will also require us to reexamine our lifestyles and make profound changes. Durham Greener Homes simplifies this transition by offering incentives of up to $10,000 for upgrades that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as:
- Geothermal heating and cooling
- Solar panels
- Advanced insulation techniques
- Energy Star appliances
How an Energy Coach Can Help You
To participate in the program, you can apply through a Home Energy Coach. These knowledgeable, certified experts offer free, personalized home retrofit consultations via phone or video chat to Durham homeowners who are considering a home energy retrofit.
Energy coaches are familiar with the ins and outs of the NRCan EnerGuide Rating System and EnerGuide Home Evaluations and understand which residential energy conservation measures will provide the highest return on investment. They can also recommend available incentive programs and retrofit financing opportunities for you to take advantage of, and can help you navigate your options.
In the initial conversation, your coach will present the results of a virtual home audit based on your home’s footprint and the information you provide. This orientation will be the basis for a fruitful conversation about your potential for future energy savings from your home energy retrofit.
Once you complete an on-site EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluation, you may then schedule three additional complimentary phone or video consultations with your coach.
Increase Your Home’s Value While Fighting Climate Change
From creating high-paying jobs in industries like construction and HVAC to helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption, the benefits of Durham Greener Homes are wide-ranging. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program will create a cleaner, healthier environment and more sustainable lifestyles, while transforming the market for local energy efficiency.
