Canadians Could Save $24 Billion by Reducing Fossil Fuel Use

Published on June 18, 2019

According to a joint report done by Canada’s National Energy Board and the International Energy Agency, by 2050, Canadians could see savings of up to $24 billion a year through a reduction of fossil fuel use.

The report outlines a Clean Technology Scenario, which shows the expected energy savings of a more energy efficient building stock in Canada. It also accounts for the 40 percent expansion of Canada’s total building floor area which is expected to occur by 2050.

The report says that in order for Canada to reach its potential for energy savings, support for a policy shift that encourages more homeowners and building owners to switch to an energy efficient heat pump is needed - especially in regions where there is minimal economic incentive to do so.

Due to Canada’s weather, buildings are responsible for about a quarter of the country’s overall energy use. This includes buildings such as offices, apartments, and even residential homes. Approximately 65 percent of the energy used by buildings goes towards HVAC (both cooling and heating).

In the report’s Clean Technology Scenario, improving the building stock that already exists (i.e. buildings built prior to 2019) is equally as important as constructing new buildings to be energy efficient.

The scenario calls for about 60 percent of Canada’s existing residential floor area to undergo deep energy retrofits by 2050, along with 50 percent of the floor area in non-residential buildings.  

The National Energy Board’s and International Energy Agency’s report also stated that reducing fossil fuel use in many buildings will be difficult due to the low price of natural gas, and its widespread availability.

For this it suggests shifting the market towards energy efficient and ‘green’ energy technologies, along with outlining a more defined strategy for the future of fossil fuel use in buildings.

See Your Own Energy Savings at Home

If you have been looking to see energy savings and lower utility bills for your home in Southern Ontario, then a home energy audit from one of BSG’s registered energy advisors is the place to start. With a home energy audit you are able to see exactly how your home is performing in terms of energy use and energy efficiency, and it is part of the qualification process for up to $5,000 of home reno rebates through the Home Efficiency Rebate program.

Using modern technologies such as thermal imaging, blower door tests, and computer energy modelling, the energy advisor who conducts your energy audit is able to see exactly what needs to be improved in order for you to see significant energy savings. This includes a list of all possible upgrades for energy efficiency that you could make in your home, along with the expected energy and utility bill savings for each upgrade. With this information you can target the most cost-effective option, and rest easy knowing that you have contacted a professional to help you make an informed decision.
 

To schedule a time for your home energy audit, or if you have any questions about the services we offer or any of Ontario’s home energy rebate programs, please call us toll-free at 1.866.333.3920. Or leave us a message that includes your contact details on our website.