Province Aims To Improve New Home Energy Efficiency

The province wants to make all new homes more energy efficient.

A proposal to increase the energy efficiency standards in new houses was released today, Jan. 16, by Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, at the ENERHouse 2007 conference in Halifax.

"The houses we build today will have the same energy requirements 15, 30, even 50 years down the road," said Mr. Dooks. "We can help consumers save on long-term energy costs and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by improving our energy building codes today."

Under the proposed "80 by '11" initiative, new homes could be required to display an EnerGuide rating by 2008. The EnerGuide rating system is measured on a scale of 1 to 100. No minimum standards exist, but the average energy rating of a home in Nova Scotia is 67.

Beginning in 2009, all new homes could be required to achieve an energy rating of 72. In 2010, the minimum rating would increase to 77. In 2011, the minimum would be 80. Industry consultations will begin in February to review government’s proposed energy efficiency standards.

"This approach could allow homebuilders, consumers, and government to improve the energy standards in new houses in a way that is both gradual and achievable," said Heather Foley Melvin, chief executive officer of Conserve Nova Scotia. "Both consumers and the environment will benefit from these proposed changes."

Improving the energy codes to an EnerGuide 80 rating could save consumers up to $900 annually in energy costs. It could also prevent more than 5.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions for every new home built to this standard.

"Conserve Nova Scotia's commitment to the EnerGuide for New Houses program will change the face of new home construction in the province by making energy efficiency a priority," said Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of Nova Scotia Homebuilders' Association. "It will impact homeowners through the savings they receive on energy costs, and the environment by the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions -- a win-win situation."

To encourage consumers to build homes to an EnerGuide 80 rating before 2011, Conserve Nova Scotia will offer a $500 incentive through the EnerGuide for New Houses program.

Homes in the EnerGuide for New Houses program get a maximum $350-plus-tax rebate if it achieves an EnerGuide rating of 77. The rebate covers the cost of the home energy evaluation. Combined, consumers could more than $850 in rebates in addition to the permanent annual energy savings.

To participate in the EnerGuide for New Houses program, visit www.nshba.ns.ca/energuide.html or www.conservens.ca or call 1-800-668-2001.