Nova Scotia ranks #3 in Efficiency Canada’s 2020 Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard

Today Efficiency Canada released its 2020 Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard.

In 2019 (the first year for the Scorecard) Nova Scotia ranked #4 overall and #1 in the efficiency programs category. The Scorecard assesses energy efficiency policies and outcomes introduced or implemented between January 2019 and June 2020, and the 2020 Scorecard also includes new information on Indigenous energy efficiency, heating fuel savings, building code adoption, active transportation, and geo-targeted efficiency.

We are pleased to report that Nova Scotia moved up one spot to come in at #3 for 2020.

The Scorecard assesses energy efficiency policies and outcomes introduced or implemented between January 2019 and June 2020.
Highlights for Nova Scotia:

Nova Scotia moved up one spot to come in at #3 for 2020.
Nova Scotia has the highest electricity savings in this year’s Scorecard (equal to 1.2% of sales), and the third highest heating fuel savings (0.5% of demand).
Nova Scotia spends the second highest on low-income and Indigenous programs per capita.

Moving up a spot in the rankings is great news and a testament to the continued efforts of our entire team to increase energy savings, innovate offerings, and our commitment to continue to educate Nova Scotians about our programs.

You can download the full 2020 Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard here.

Getting to Net Zero: Accelerating a Green Economic Recovery

We need to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; they are affecting everything from the air we breathe to our food and water supply. Most of the world has ratified the Paris Agreement with plans to help curb the rising global temperature by reducing GHG emissions. Canada, specifically, has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Many groups are working hard and making great inroads to reduce GHG emissions. If we are going meet this goal, we will need to do more.

Accomplishing something as ambitious as “net zero by 2050” means coming together, pooling our resources and knowledge, and designing a winning approach. What if an economic recovery could also accelerate progress on clean energy — accomplishing both goals with funding already earmarked for helping the economy recover?

EfficiencyOne has developed Getting to Net Zero: Accelerating a Green Economic Recovery, a paper that outlines the path to net zero by highlighting proven approaches to reducing emissions, based on these five themes: Efficiency First, Partnerships, Regional Recovery, Innovative Finance, and Equitable transition.

Read the full paper here.

Putting the ‘green’ in CFB Greenwood

CFB GREENWOOD EVENT

The “green” in 14 Wing Greenwood was recognized October 19, as base and Real Property Operations Unit (Atlantic and Greenwood) representatives, along with partners Defence Construction Canada and MCW Custom Energy Solutions, accepted the first milestone cheque from Efficiency Nova Scotia as part of the 10-year Greenwood Energy Performance Contract to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. LED light installations, improved heating and ventilation equipment, and controls and water efficiency improvements over the past year in 23 buildings at both 14 Wing and 5th Canadian Division/ 5e Division du Canada Support Base Detachment Aldershot have already added up to significant energy and environmental savings.

This first incentive covers savings of 1.9 GWh – this equates to a reduction in Greenwood’s annual energy use of 6.5% and roughly 1350 tonnes of GHGs avoided. The second and final payment will be approximately the same amount and is schedule for late 2021 or early 2022.

photo: 14 Wing Deputy Wing Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Dale King (left) and RP Ops (Atlantic) Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Bryan Mialkowsky (right) stand with MCW’s Ted Loucks (second from left) and DCC lead coordinator Doug MacLeod (second from right), with Efficiency Nova Scotia chief executive officer Stephen MacDonald.

Op-Ed: The role of energy efficiency in climate and sustainability goals

Canada is well positioned to demonstrate leadership and fiscal responsibility simultaneously; creating an economy that is stronger, more resilient, and designed to capitalize on a low-carbon future. Investments in clean energy and increasing energy efficiency will create thousands of jobs, make buildings more climate resilient, and provide more sustainable transportation options right across the country.

These changes are critical to the future of Canada and the adoption of a low carbon/net-zero future. We must be sure that we recognize the important role that energy efficiency can play in the mix. The energy efficiency sector is a significant contributor to climate change mitigation and sustainability goals and plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions right here in Atlantic Canada.

Since 2010, Efficiency Nova Scotia programs have contributed to over 25% of achieved GHG reductions in Nova Scotia. Energy efficiency is a fast and cost-effective way for individuals and businesses to save money by reducing energy costs, while also reducing their climate impact. It should be the first choice for policy makers to achieve emission reduction targets. The International Energy Agency calls energy efficiency the “hidden fuel”, stating that it could enable the world to achieve more than 40% of the emissions cuts needed to reach its climate goals without new technology.

The federal government’s recent Throne Speech laid out a plan for the post COVID economy, creating a stronger more resilient Canada by fighting climate change and building long-term competitiveness with clean growth. Last week, the Canada Infrastructure Bank also announced a $10 billion investment which includes $2 billion for large-scale energy efficient building retrofits.

All of this will help us exceed Canada’s climate goals by 2030 and realize a net zero emission Canada by 2050.

Here at home, the Sustainable Development Goals Act sets an ambitious new goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 with actions that advance Nova Scotia’s economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. To do this, we should:

Optimize Electrical Energy Use in Existing Building – Reducing the electricity load through energy efficiency by 1.5% annually, beginning in 2023 through to 2050.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Use in Existing Buildings – Eliminating oil usage in homes and businesses for space and water heating by 2050 for the approximately 250,000 existing buildings using fossil fuels.
Adopt Higher Energy Efficiency Standards for New Buildings – Requiring energy labelling, conducting training, and adopting zero carbon standards by 2024.
Reduce GHG Emissions from Road Transportation – Supporting the adoption of less GHG-intensive energy sources for road vehicles reducing emissions by 75% by 2050.
Reduce Energy Poverty – Making the benefits of energy efficiency available to all Nova Scotians, placing a greater focus on reducing the burden of energy costs on low to moderate income families.

Energy efficiency is a Nova Scotia growth industry. We have been recognized as # 1 in Canada in the design and administration of energy efficiency programs. We currently have the highest concentration of energy efficiency managers and advisors in the country and are seeing growth every year. Our Efficiency Trade Network provides training and support to over 370 companies who employee over 2,500 people across the province. Investing in energy efficiency not only has an impact on achieving climate change targets, but also creates more green jobs. These goals build on the significant GHG reductions already achieved in Nova Scotia from energy efficiency and continue to position Nova Scotia as a leader in Canada in climate change results that are proven and effective.

Stephen MacDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia. EfficiencyOne is a leader in the design and delivery of resource efficiency programs and services for homes, businesses, and large industrial customers. To date, EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, has helped over 400,000 program participants and achieved more than $1 billion in energy savings, avoiding nearly 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Learn more at www.efficiencyns.ca.

Energy Efficiency Day 2020

Did you know the energy efficiency sector is a significant contributor to climate change and sustainability goals here in Nova Scotia?

Since 2010, our energy efficiency sector has played a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and through Efficiency Nova Scotia programs have contributed to over 25% of GHG reductions in Nova Scotia. Energy efficiency is a fast, cost effective way for individuals and businesses to save money by reducing energy costs, while also reducing their climate impact. In fact, the International Energy Agency calls energy efficiency the hidden fuel, stating that it could enable the world to achieve more than 40% of the emissions cuts needed to reach its climate goals without new technology.

Did you know energy efficiency is a Nova Scotia growth industry?
We currently have the highest concentration of energy efficiency managers and advisors in the country and are seeing growth every year. Our Efficiency Trade Network provides training and support to over 370 companies who employee over 2500 people across the province.

Throne Speech: fighting climate change and building long-term competitiveness with clean growth

Today Governor General Julie Payette delivered the Speech from the Throne, formally opening the second session of the 43^rd Parliament of Canada. In the speech the Governor General outlined the four foundations of this government’s approach:

To fight the pandemic and save lives
Supporting people and business through this crisis, as long as it lasts, whatever it takes
To build back better to create a stronger, more resilient Canada
To stand up for who we are as Canadians

The third foundation of the Government’s approach, to build back better, includes fighting climate change and building long-term competitiveness with clean growth. This is great news for clean energy and the energy efficiency industry and it appears we can expect Government to quickly bring forward a plan to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal and legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. While specifics will be released at a later date, the Throne Speech highlighted these areas as part of its plan:

Creating thousands of jobs retrofitting homes and buildings, cutting energy costs for Canadian families and businesses;
Investing in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters, like floods and wildfires, to make communities safer and more resilient;
Helping deliver more transit and active transit options;
And make zero-emissions vehicles more affordable while investing in more charging stations across the country.

In addition, the speech highlighted the Atlantic Loop that will connect surplus clean power to regions transitioning away from coal. This is a key pillar in Nova Scotia’s phase out of coal plants.

You can read the full transcript of the Throne Speech here: https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/campaigns/speech-throne/2020/stronger-resilient-canada.html.

Celebrating Nova Scotia’s Agricultural Industry

The Agriculture industry is a large part of the economy in Nova Scotia, with over 2400 individual farm businesses. Efficiency Nova Scotia is proud to work with Farmers across the province to make energy efficiency upgrades that will help ensure a sustainable business for generations to come. Learn more about the work that Efficiency Nova Scotia is doing in this agricultural sector.

September 20, 2020 marked 20 years of Open Farm Day, a celebration of all things agricultural across the province and an opportunity for Nova Scotians to get a behind the scenes look at all the industry operates. 2020 Open Farm Day was held virtually, you can learn more here.

Agriculture Profile: Oberland Agriscience

With help from Efficiency Nova Scotia, Oberland Agriscience is creating a sustainable solution for the global protein shortage. With a rebate of over $4,200 on their new heat pump and insulation upgrades, they are able to grow tropical insects, providing protein for fish and poultry. They’re saving over $6,000 a year in bills which they can invest back into their business.

“The new lighting makes the workspace a lot more inviting, allows you to stay alert longer, and is much lower in cost.”

http://https://youtu.be/xxOrRBMouHI

Task Force for a Resilient Recovery report “Bridge to the Future” calls for bold action

The Task Force for a Resilient Recovery released its report “Bridge to the Future” today, September 16th, 2020. The Report calls for 5 bold moves, supported by $55.4 billion in investments, to kickstart Canada’s long-term economic recovery from COVID-19. the energy efficiency industry is ready and excited to play a role in a green economic recovery that will foster job creation, ensures Canada remains competitive, and accelerates towards a net-zero economy.

You can read the full report here: https://www.recoverytaskforce.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/TFRR-Final-Report_EN.pdf

EfficiencyOne CEO Stephen MacDonald recognized at one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs second year in a row

Congratulations to E1 CEO, Stephen MacDonald who was recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs at a virtual gala hosted by Atlantic Business Magazine on September 15^th.This is the second year in a row that Steve has been recognized. The awards recognize corporate leadership excellence where leaders have demonstrated organizational growth, industry leadership and community involvement. You can learn more about Steve, along will the other award recipients, in Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO issue, available on newsstands today, as well as on the Top 50 Website.

HomeWarming program adapts criteria to help even more Nova Scotians

An additional 13,000 Nova Scotians living on lower incomes will now qualify to receive free energy efficient upgrades to help make their homes more comfortable throughout the year.

The HomeWarming program offers free energy assessments and home upgrades to eligible Nova Scotians, such as insulation and draft-proofing. Efficiency Nova Scotia, who administers HomeWarming on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power, recently increased the maximum annual income to qualify for the program.

“With the impacts of COVID-19, more people are struggling and more people are at home, making it more important than ever to be able to help people save money and feel more comfortable in their homes,” says Stephen MacDonald, CEO, EfficiencyOne. “This increase ensures that more program funds directly upgrade the homes of Nova Scotians who need financial support to benefit from energy efficiency.”

“Expanding energy efficiency programs to more Nova Scotians also helps many small businesses during these difficult times,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “One of the ways we will weather the economic storm created by COVID-19 is by supporting green jobs and saving money for families who need it the most.”

“Since the program was launched in 2015, HomeWarming has been Nova Scotia Power’s single largest focus for community giving and investment, providing assistance to more than 2,300 homes,” says Mark Sidebottom, Chief Operating Officer of Nova Scotia Power. “The opportunity to provide access to a greater number of customers is a great step forward in increasing efficiency and cost savings for our customers who need it most.

The changes to the HomeWarming eligibility criteria, which went into effect April 17, increases the maximum annual incomes that qualify a household for the program. A one-person home went from a net income of $22,324 to $25,673; a household with 2-4 people from $41,481 to $47,703; and a household with 5 or more people from $59,076 to $67,937.

Efficiency Nova Scotia leads the country in energy efficiency programs and is saving low income families more than $35 million in lifetime energy costs. The average HomeWarming participant can expect to see on average $750 in annual energy savings. To-date the HomeWarming program has helped over 10,000 Nova Scotia households.

Due to restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Efficiency Nova Scotia suspended home energy efficiency assessments and upgrades, including HomeWarming. During that time Efficiency Nova Scotia worked with Nova Scotia Power and the Nova Scotia Government to redirect $3 million from the HomeWarming Program to address urgent needs during the pandemic.

“The funding supported a number of organizations across the province to help families and individuals with necessities like food and shelter and support to help people stay connected,” says MacDonald. “In such uncertain times for so many Nova Scotians repurposing the HomeWarming funds allowed us to continue to help Nova Scotians who are most in need.” The HomeWarming program resumed in mid-June with increased safety protocols and health measures in place to keep each other safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. “It is great to be able to be back in people’s homes again and the safety of our customers, partners and employees remains our top priority.”

HomeWarming is administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia and provides free energy efficiency upgrades like insulation and draft-proofing to income-qualified homeowners. HomeWarming is supported by the Province of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power.

EfficiencyOne is a leader in the design and delivery of resource efficiency programs and services for homes, businesses, and large industrial customers. To date, EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, has helped over 400,000 program participants and achieved more than $1 billion in energy savings, avoiding nearly 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Learn more at www.efficiencyns.ca.

For more information, contact:
Janet Tobin, Communications Lead
EfficiencyOne
jtobin@efficiencyns.ca
902-470-3652

Nova Scotia ranks #3 in Efficiency Canada’s 2020 Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard