Province Encourages Home Energy Efficiency During Renovation Month

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to permanently cut their energy bills and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions through an information campaign launched today, Oct. 10.

The province's energy-efficiency agency, Conserve Nova Scotia, launched the campaign to coincide with home renovation month. The campaign will feature the Nova Scotia EnerGuide for Houses program.

"Thirty-nine per cent of homeowners intend to make energy-efficient improvements to their home this year," said Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, Bill Dooks. "This campaign is designed for homeowners already considering upgrades and those who may not have considered them yet. The EnerGuide program allows homeowners to make better energy-efficiency decisions based on unbiased recommendations from certified energy advisors."

Homeowners in the EnerGuide program can cut energy bills by up to 30 per cent and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 4.6 tonnes, on average. Mr. Dooks said the program is one way government is working towards a environmentally sustainable province.

"Energy efficiency is one of the most effective tools individuals have to cut greenhouse-gas emissions," said Mr. Dooks. "Increasing participation in the EnerGuide for Houses program will contribute to our goal of having one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020."

The Nova Scotia EnerGuide for Houses program was revised in April to coincide with the federal government's ecoENERGY Home Energy Retrofit program. Under the program, homeowners can qualify for a maximum of $6,500 in rebates. The maximum provincial rebate is $1,500. Based on previous energy-efficiency programs, the combined provincial and federal average rebate is $1,600. Actual amounts depend on the work completed on the home.

The information campaign will be featured in radio, print and cable television. More information, including a rebate guide, is available at www.itstartswithme.ca.

Under the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Nova Scotia has a goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 2020 to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels.