Op-Ed: The role of energy efficiency in climate and sustainability goals October 15, 2020 | In the Media Op-Ed: The role of energy efficiency in climate and sustainability goals Canada is well positioned to demonstrate leadership and fiscal responsibility simultaneously; creating an economy that is stronger, more resilient, and designed to capitalize on a low-carbon future. Investments in clean energy and increasing energy efficiency will create thousands of jobs, make buildings more climate resilient, and provide more sustainable transportation options right across the country. These changes are critical to the future of Canada and the adoption of a low carbon/net-zero future. We must be sure that we recognize the important role that energy efficiency can play in the mix. The energy efficiency sector is a significant contributor to climate change mitigation and sustainability goals and plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions right here in Atlantic Canada. Since 2010, Efficiency Nova Scotia programs have contributed to over 25% of achieved GHG reductions in Nova Scotia. Energy efficiency is a fast and cost-effective way for individuals and businesses to save money by reducing energy costs, while also reducing their climate impact. It should be the first choice for policy makers to achieve emission reduction targets. The International Energy Agency calls energy efficiency the “hidden fuel”, stating that it could enable the world to achieve more than 40% of the emissions cuts needed to reach its climate goals without new technology. The federal government’s recent Throne Speech laid out a plan for the post COVID economy, creating a stronger more resilient Canada by fighting climate change and building long-term competitiveness with clean growth. Last week, the Canada Infrastructure Bank also announced a $10 billion investment which includes $2 billion for large-scale energy efficient building retrofits. All of this will help us exceed Canada’s climate goals by 2030 and realize a net zero emission Canada by 2050. Here at home, the Sustainable Development Goals Act sets an ambitious new goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 with actions that advance Nova Scotia’s economic, social, and environmental wellbeing. To do this, we should: Optimize Electrical Energy Use in Existing Building – Reducing the electricity load through energy efficiency by 1.5% annually, beginning in 2023 through to 2050. Reduce Fossil Fuel Use in Existing Buildings – Eliminating oil usage in homes and businesses for space and water heating by 2050 for the approximately 250,000 existing buildings using fossil fuels. Adopt Higher Energy Efficiency Standards for New Buildings – Requiring energy labelling, conducting training, and adopting zero carbon standards by 2024. Reduce GHG Emissions from Road Transportation – Supporting the adoption of less GHG-intensive energy sources for road vehicles reducing emissions by 75% by 2050. Reduce Energy Poverty – Making the benefits of energy efficiency available to all Nova Scotians, placing a greater focus on reducing the burden of energy costs on low to moderate income families. Energy efficiency is a Nova Scotia growth industry. We have been recognized as # 1 in Canada in the design and administration of energy efficiency programs. We currently have the highest concentration of energy efficiency managers and advisors in the country and are seeing growth every year. Our Efficiency Trade Network provides training and support to over 370 companies who employee over 2,500 people across the province. Investing in energy efficiency not only has an impact on achieving climate change targets, but also creates more green jobs. These goals build on the significant GHG reductions already achieved in Nova Scotia from energy efficiency and continue to position Nova Scotia as a leader in Canada in climate change results that are proven and effective. Stephen MacDonald is the Chief Executive Officer of EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia. EfficiencyOne is a leader in the design and delivery of resource efficiency programs and services for homes, businesses, and large industrial customers. To date, EfficiencyOne, operating in Nova Scotia as Efficiency Nova Scotia, has helped over 400,000 program participants and achieved more than $1 billion in energy savings, avoiding nearly 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually. Learn more at www.efficiencyns.ca. More Articles from In the Media April 27, 2023 In the Media Transforming the way people use energy, EfficiencyOne releases 2022 Annual Report FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2023 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk,NS – EfficiencyOne, the nonprofit administrator of Efficiency Nova Scotia, released its 2022 Annual Report, titled: Transforming the Way People Use Energy. The Report details EfficiencyOne’s 2022 performance and results and highlights the important contributions that energy efficiency has made in achieving the province’s climate action goals… “In 2022 […] April 19, 2023 In the Media EfficiencyOne named one of Canada’s Greenest Employer for 9th year For immediate release April 18, 2023 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS –EfficiencyOne has once again been selected as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This award recognizes employers that have created a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations. “This is the 9th year that E1 has won this award and that is no small feat,” says Stephen MacDonald, President […] January 17, 2023 In the Media EfficiencyOne named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers For immediate release January 17, 2023 – Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS—For the fifth year in a row, EfficiencyOne has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers. “At EfficiencyOne we come to work every day to transform the way people use energy,” says Stephen MacDonald, President and CEO of EfficiencyOne, the non-profit operator of Efficiency Nova Scotia. “We […]