Federal Government Contributes $11 Million in Support for BC Energy-Efficient Buildings Strategy
The federal government is working with the government of BC on the Province’s energy-efficiency and conservation goals. Support came in the form of $11 million worth of federal funding for BC’s Energy-Efficient Buildings Strategy, and was announced in mid-July by Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Richard Neufeld together with Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells, on behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources for Canada, Gary Lunn.
The funding supports implementation of actions contained in the strategy released by the Province last fall, Energy Efficient Buildings: A Plan for B.C. This strategy, the first of its kind in Canada, aims for energy savings equivalent to the electricity consumption of 340,000 homes and natural gas consumption of 200,000 homes by 2025, with the ultimate goal of sustainable environmental management and job creation through energy conservation.
Acknowledging advances in energy-efficient designs and technologies for buildings, as well as rising energy costs, the Province worked with public- and private-sector stakeholders to develop cost-effective energy-efficiency targets for new and existing buildings. “BC is a leader in innovative alternative energy solutions, including energy efficiency,” said Minister Neufeld. “We launched our Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy—the first of its kind in Canada, encompassing all types of buildings—because it helps consumers and communities save money, it creates jobs and reduces the environmental impact of energy use.” Minister Neufeld.
The federal funding comes from the Opportunities Envelope, a program designed to support cost-effective projects or programs brought forward by the provinces and territories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
More information on “Energy Efficient Buildings: A Plan for BC” can be found on the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources site at www.em.gov.bc.ca/AlternativeEnergy/Alt_Energy_%20Home.htm#SECTIONS.