The world is shifting to become more aware of the impact we have as individuals on the environment. According to Statistics Canada, 76% of households composted either kitchen or yard waste in 2022, and in 2021, 97% of households reported using their own bags or containers when grocery shopping. But, there’s still work to be done, because on the flip side of things, Canadians generated 10.9 million tonnes of residential waste in 2020—the highest amount on record, according to Statistics Canada.
There are many ways you can be more sustainable at home, from small changes to larger considerations
Consider an energy audit
Finding ways to upgrade your home that are also energy efficient sounds like a no-brainer.
The federal and provincial governments (depending where you live) offer incentives to help with these changes, and the first step is an energy audit (also known as a home audit or energy assessment). Audits are even more important depending on the age of your home. Even a home built in the 1990s would benefit from an audit, as building codes have changed over the last 30 years.
What are the steps in an energy audit?
- Pre-project assessment: where an assessor examines your home from top to bottom and provides you with reports on how your home is currently using energy, a list of recommended upgrades, as well as an EnerGuide label with your home’s efficiency score.
- Post-project assessment: performed once you have completed the recommended upgrades. The assessor returns to do a new audit and to confirm the upgrades. You’ll receive updated reports as well as a rebate verification.
Once you’ve received the rebate verification you can apply for rebates. The Canada Greener Homes Program is available nationwide as a federal incentive program. Across the provinces and municipalities there are further incentives available which can be discussed with a registered energy advisor.
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