EfficiencyOne White Paper outlines pathways to a net-zero future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 23, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS—Nova Scotia needs to invest in energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization if it wants to achieve a net-zero future says a new EfficiencyOne report.

EfficiencyOne’s White Paper 2050: Net-Zero Carbon Nova Scotia, released September 23, 2021 and written in collaboration with Ralph Torrie of Torrie Smith Associates, outlines the challenges and opportunities facing the province as it continues to focus on emissions reductions.

“Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, EfficiencyOne. “GHG emissions in Nova Scotia are down 30% since 2005, but a challenging path lies ahead if we are to achieve net-zero.”

The White Paper outlines five strategic pathways to help overcome the challenges, and seize on the opportunities, in responding to the climate emergency: energy efficiency and decarbonization; partnerships, collaboration, and training; innovative financing and private investment; equity; and regional capacity building.

According to the White Paper, electricity, transportation, and buildings together generate the highest amount of emissions in Nova Scotia and present the biggest opportunities. “For Nova Scotia to stay on track with the global target of limiting the average rise of temperatures to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, GHG emissions of all types must come down by another 30% by 2030.” says Torrie. “Then emissions must be further reduced to achieve net-zero emissions; there is no practical pathway to net-zero for Nova Scotia that does not include eliminating or substantially reducing fossil fuel combustion.”

Over the past decade the province has implemented hard caps on carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector, invested in energy-efficiency programs, and made progress in reaching targets to generate 80% of electricity from renewables. In addition, there has been significant provincial and federal funding to decrease the use of carbon-based fuels and reduce energy costs for homes, businesses, institutions, and non-profit organizations.

The newly elected government of Premier Tim Houston has committed to introducing in their first legislative sitting new legislation called the Enviro-Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. The EfficiencyOne White Paper can help identify the goals that should be legislated to chart a clear path forward to a net-zero future for the province.

“Energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization, taken together, are strategic actions that can address 65% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emissions” adds MacDonald.

“Energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization, taken together, are strategic actions that can address 65% of Nova Scotia’s GHG emissions”
Stephen MacDonald

“There is no single action that will get us to net-zero,” says William Lahey, Founding Chair of the EfficiencyOne Board of Directors and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of King’s College. “Now is the time for everyone – government, institutions, industry, organizations, not for profits, and individual citizens – to get to work advancing innovative approaches to decrease GHG emissions and to develop a collaborative model that builds on existing successes.”

The White Paper also recommends designing and delivering tailored programs that help ensure everyone can equitably benefit from a green, sustainable recovery.

“To be viable, the path to net-zero needs to work for everybody — and that means including everybody,” says MacDonald. “Any actions taken must – especially with energy-efficiency and electrification programs – include services for low-income homeowners and renters, Mi’kmaw communities, small business, and commercial and industrial business.”

To read the White Paper 2050: Net-Zero Carbon Nova Scotia, click here.

About EfficiencyOne

-30-

For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-499-6494
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca

Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund names Executive Director and Chief Climate Investment Officer

Press Release

June 9, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS— The Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund has named Sarah Buckle as its first Executive Director and Chief Climate Investment Officer.

“With over 20 years of industry experience in progressive leadership roles, Sarah brings a unique skill set in business strategy, risk management and sustainability,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne, the parent company of HCi3, and a HCi3 Board member.
Sarah’s most recent role was Director of Enterprise Sustainability at TransLink, the operator of Metro Vancouver’s transportation system, where she was responsible for pursuing and leading finance efforts related to various climate change initiatives.
“Sarah is deeply committed and passionate about sustainable business practices and climate action,” says Carol MacCulloch, Chair of the Board of HCi3. “We are excited to see her apply this passion to help Halifax reach its full greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential.”
HCi3 is a new subsidiary of EfficiencyOne that will use a mix of investments and grants to advance climate change initiatives in the Halifax region. HCi3 is one of seven non-profit organizations that, along with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, make up the Low Carbon Cities Canada network. The Government of Canada has invested $183 million in LC3 to help support cities in reducing carbon emissions, while improving public health and local economies, and will enable the scaling of local solutions through the sharing of experience and expertise.

“Sarah Buckle’s experience and passion for projects in the climate sector will be a great addition to the LC3 network,” says Joanne Vanderheyden, FCM President. “We look forward to working with her and her team as they move forward with their plans for a low-carbon future in the Halifax region, and for collaboration with the seven LC3 Centres to build green and innovative solutions that build better lives for Canadians.”

“I am thrilled to be returning to Halifax to be leading the newly established Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund,” says Sarah Buckle, Executive Director and Chief Climate Investment Officer. “I look forward to working with the City of Halifax, FCM and other LC3 Centres across Canada to accelerate solutions for an equitable low-carbon future.”
“Halifax is pleased to be working with HCi3 to support projects and ideas that aim to rapidly drive down greenhouse gas emissions in our region,” says Shannon Meidema, Energy & Environment Program Manager, Halifax Regional Municipality. “HCi3 will enable us to progress HalifACT, our climate action plan, in partnership with members of our community and alongside other major Canadian urban centres. It provides a mechanism for leveraging private capital with public funds, an important step in accelerating climate action.”
HCi3 named its Board of Directors earlier this year. The Board includes: Carol MacCulloch, Chair of the Board and Board members: Corinne Boone, Stephen MacDonald, and Vicky Sharpe.

Building upon Nova Scotia’s impressive track record in emissions reductions, the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund supports broader carbon reduction initiatives in the Halifax region. HCi3 is a subsidiary of EfficiencyOne. HCi3 will use a mix of investments and grants to advance climate change initiatives in the Halifax region and to contribute to a prosperous green economy. You can learn more about HCi3 at www.hci3.ca.
EfficiencyOne is a leading energy efficiency enterprise working with a number of outstanding partners to supply cost-effective energy efficiency and carbon mitigation services in Nova Scotia and beyond. To date, EfficiencyOne has achieved more than $1.4 billion in energy savings and contributed over 20 percent of Nova Scotia’s GHG emission reductions in the last 10 years. Learn more at efficiencyone.ca

-30-

For more information, contact:
Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-470-3652
jtobin@efficiencyone.com

New rebates available to Nova Scotia homeowners through Efficiency Nova Scotia

May 27, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS – EfficiencyOne is proud to partner with Natural Resources Canada to deliver the Canada Greener Homes Grant in Nova Scotia through the Efficiency Nova Scotia franchise.

Retroactive to December 1, 2020, the new initiative will offer grants of up to $5,000 to help Canadian homeowners make energy efficiency retrofits to their primary residences and up to an additional $600 towards the cost of EnerGuide home evaluations. To qualify, homeowners must obtain a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy evaluation before completing at least one retrofit that is both eligible and recommended by their energy advisor in their report. Please visit https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441 for a complete list of eligibility requirements.

Nova Scotia and Quebec are currently the only provinces that will deliver the program on the federal government’s behalf. In Nova Scotia, the Canada Greener Homes Grant will be co-delivered with Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Home Energy Assessment program. This means anyone who enrolls in the Home Energy Assessment program will automatically be registered for the federal grant.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer Nova Scotians one-stop access to financial support and expertise to make their homes more energy efficient,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Additional rebate support will make these investments even more affordable to even more Nova Scotians.”

Efficiency Nova Scotia programs are already saving Nova Scotians more than $1.4 billion in energy costs and have contributed 25 percent of Nova Scotia’s overall GHG emission reductions since 2011, while also making a significant positive impact on the economy.

Efficiency Nova Scotia’s network of partners has over 370 businesses, including heat pump installers, lighting specialists, solar PV installers, builders, and more, employing more than 2,500 people across the province. More details can be found in EfficiencyOne’s 2020 Annual Report, released yesterday.

Due to public health restrictions, EnerGuide evaluations are currently suspended in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotians who wish to enroll in the program can contact one of Efficiency Nova Scotia’s registered Energy Advisors to be placed on a list to receive an evaluation as soon as activity resumes.

Quotes:

“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 your wallet, good for the economy and good for the planet.”

— The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources

“Nova Scotia is a leader in fighting climate change and promoting energy efficiency. With EfficiencyOne delivering this new federal program in parallel to the province’s existing efficiency incentives Nova Scotians will be able to do more in their own neighbourhoods to promote our clean energy future.”

— Honourable Chuck Porter, Nova Scotia Minister of Energy and Mines

About EfficiencyOne

EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, has a proven track record of success in designing and delivering resource efficiency programs and services for homes, businesses, and large industrial customers. EfficiencyOne has received national recognition for its high electricity and heating fuel savings achievements, as well as its low-income services and innovative Indigenous programs. Learn more at www.efficiencyone.ca.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Janet Tobin
Communications Lead
902-470-3652
Cell: 902-499-6494
JTobin@efficiencyns.ca

Canada Greener Homes Grant
Call Centre
1-833-674-8282
TTY: 1-800-465-7735

Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
nrcan.media.rncan@canada.ca

Nova Scotians saving $1.4 billion in energy costs through energy efficiency, says EfficiencyOne 2020 Annual Report

May 26, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS – EfficiencyOne, the non-profit supplier of energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigation services and operator of Canada’s first energy efficiency utility, Efficiency Nova Scotia, released its 2020 Annual Report today. The report details EfficiencyOne’s 2020 performance and results, and celebrates energy efficiency’s contributions to a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable Nova Scotia over the past 10 years.

Since 2011, EfficiencyOne (formerly Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation) helped Nova Scotians reduce their electricity use by 12% – among the highest electricity savings in Canada; contributed to 25% of the province’s overall greenhouse gas emission reductions; and upgraded over 200 band-owned homes as part of a long-term commitment to reconciliation and relationship-building with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

“Over the past 10 years we have helped Nova Scotians save over $1.4 billion in energy costs, including more than $263 million in savings for low-income homeowners and tenants,” says Stephen MacDonald, EfficiencyOne President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Despite the challenges that 2020 brought, we continued to build a better world through efficiency,” adds MacDonald. “Our programs provided support for businesses and individuals to reduce their energy use with real savings – like the energy efficient upgrades in the Eskasoni Health Centre that are estimated to save $70,000 in annual energy costs.”

The Report also speaks to the thousands of new jobs and growth opportunities for more than 370 local businesses in Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency industry over the past decade.

The report includes EfficiencyOne’s 2020 financial statements, along with details on the industry’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and some of the innovations that were borne from it.

You can read EfficiencyOne’s 2020 Annual Report here.

About EfficiencyOne

EfficiencyOne announces new Chief Operating Officer

May 11, 2021 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS— EfficiencyOne is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah MacDonald as Chief Operating Officer. Sarah officially joined the EfficiencyOne team on May 10.

Sarah, formerly Chief Operating Officer with XOCEAN, an ocean data collection services company, had a 19-year career with Emera Inc. in various senior leadership roles, including: Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Emera; Chief Executive Officer, Emera Utility Services; Chief Executive Officer, Emera Caribbean; President, Teco Services Inc. and Executive Vice President, Corporate Safety and Environment, Emera.

“Sarah brings extensive strategic and operational leadership experience that will be invaluable to EfficiencyOne as we continue to expand our impact,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer of EfficiencyOne.

EfficiencyOne is the non-profit supplier of energy efficiency and GHG mitigation services in Nova Scotia. Since 2011, the organization has reduced energy costs in the province by more than $1.4 billion and contributed 25 percent of Nova Scotia’s overall GHG emission reductions. Familiar to most Nova Scotians as the operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, EfficiencyOne has received national recognition for its high electricity and heating fuel savings achievements, as well as its low-income services and innovative Indigenous programs. EfficiencyOne has partnered with 13 Mi’kmaq communities to install energy efficient upgrades in 2,400 band-owned homes and supported large efficiency upgrades in community facilities like the Eskasoni Health Centre and the Membertou Arena and Wellness Centre.

“EfficiencyOne’s independent, target driven, and performance-based model has a proven track record of success,” says William Lahey, Founding Chair of the EfficiencyOne Board of Directors and President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of King’s College. “Sarah’s experience will enable EfficiencyOne to build on this success and contribute to an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in Nova Scotia and beyond.”

EfficiencyOne has expanded its operations in recent years to supply energy efficiency expertise outside of Nova Scotia through its subsidiary, EfficiencyOne Services, and was recently asked to operate a new urban climate fund in Halifax as part of Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) initiative.

In her role as COO, Sarah will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of EfficiencyOne, including service delivery, customer experience and partnerships, finance and regulatory, and human resources and infrastructure.

“I am thrilled to be joining an organization that has already played such an important role in helping Nova Scotia achieve its climate change and sustainability goals,” says Sarah MacDonald, incoming Chief Operating Officer, EfficiencyOne. “I look forward to helping the organization drive positive change in our energy efficiency.”

About EfficiencyOne

For more information, contact:

Janet Tobin
Communication Lead
902-470-3652
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca

Province Invests in Climate Change Action, Supports Jobs and Commits to Renewable Future

As part of its commitment to the environment and fighting climate change, the Government of Nova Scotia is investing $19 million in rebates to support low-income families in making their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient and help Nova Scotians buy clean, reliable electric vehicles.

Half of the $19 million – $9.5 million – which will come from the Green Fund, is to go into the HomeWarming and the Affordable Multi-Family Housing energy efficiency programs. This investment in energy efficiency comes at a time when even more Nova Scotians are looking for ways to save money, reduce their energy use and their climate impact, this funding means an additional 1200 Nova Scotians will benefit from energy efficiency upgrades and feel more comfortable in their homes.

Read the full press release.

Green Fund Supports Energy Efficiency

Today, February 2, 2021, the Province announced $15.7 million in new funding for efficiency programs. This funding has been allocated by the province for the following:

$5.5 million over two years for the Solar Homes program;
$6.7 million over three years for the Affordable Multi-Family Housing program; and
$3.5 million over three years for the Small Business Energy Solutions program.

The funding is coming from the sale of allowances under the Province’s cap and trade program.

These investments in energy efficiency will save Nova Scotians approximately $1.8 million a year on their energy bills, create approximately 192 jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 6000 tonnes each year.

The areas being funded (solar, affordable multi-family housing and small business) have a high need for additional funding, can be expanded quickly, and in the case of affordable multi-family housing and small business, come at a time when these customers have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic.

This funding recognizes both the value and impact the energy efficiency has in Nova Scotia. It is also a testament to the quality of work they have come to know with our entire industry.

You can read the full press release here: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20210202004

Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Errol Pereira talks to The Port Hawkesbury Reporter about the Onsite Energy Manager service

Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Errol Pereira talks to The Port Hawkesbury Reporter how the Onsite Energy Manager (OEM) service has grown and found success since launching in 2012. The OEM service exists to identify opportunities to save electricity and money for partnering businesses, and we are proud to work with partners such as Dalhousie who have seen a savings of $250,000 per year.

To read the full article: https://porthawkesburyreporter.com/a-kilowatt-saved-is-a-kilowatt-earned/

EfficiencyOne presents on virtual audits

The next phase of this project will be substituting the traditional EnerGuide assessment with a remote audit. Remote audits will be conducted by energy advisors via videocalls. In E1’s experience, energy use estimates from remote audit assessment models achieve acceptable accuracy for certain situations, and could offer other benefits such as reduced costs, reduce time to complete an assessment, and increased accuracy of energy use estimates when paired with utility billing data.

On Friday, December 11th Hugh MacDonald and Ryan Kelly presented as part of Efficiency Canada’s DiscoverEE Sessions on using remote/virtual methods for home energy audits. You can learn more about the DiscoverEE Series here.

Energy Efficiency Expert Barry Walker talks home heating on CBC Maritime Noon

Energy Efficiency Expert Barry Walker joined Bob Murphy on Maritime Noon recently to talk home heating and answer questions from Maritimers. If you missed the show, you can check it out here: http://ow.ly/uyQw50Cy96U

Do you have any questions for Barry? Email jtobin@efficiencyns.ca and your question may be featured in an upcoming Ask the Expert video!

EfficiencyOne White Paper outlines pathways to a net-zero future