The energy used in our buildings accounts for about a third of the region’s community greenhouse gas emissions. We can also improve the energy efficiency of new buildings and retrofit existing buildings to be more climate-friendly by using renewable energy to heat our homes by installing retrofits like heat pumps or solar panels.
These steps will reduce carbon footprint of our homes and workplaces, make them more comfortable and lower our energy bills. Adapting our buildings to a changing climate will also help us manage the impacts of climate change.
Home Energy Navigator - Free Support Service for Energy Upgrades
This Home Energy Navigator Program is a free support service is available to help homeowners through their home (energy) retrofit journey. An Energy Concierge will be available to support you through your retrofit project to answer questions, give local and expert advice and help you navigate the complex world of home energy retrofits. For more information visit Home Energy Navigator, email info@homeenergynav.ca or call 1-866-381-9995.
Home Retrofit Rebate Programs
Your home offers many opportunities to upgrade energy efficiency, save on energy bills, and improve your comfort. Find rebates for building a new home or for retrofitting your existing home that will save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the CRD doing?
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is taking steps to reduce operational GHG emissions from its facilities and continues to look for opportunities to minimize GHG emissions and energy use, such as upgrading to high-efficiency natural gas boilers, and investigating the waste heat recovery projects at Panorama Recreation and SEAPARC. To learn more, see our Climate Action Strategy and annual reports.
New Buildings: Energy Step Code
As of May 1, 2023 the BC Energy Step Code is the default compliance path for energy efficiency in the BC Building Code. The Step Code establishes progressive performance steps in energy efficiency for new buildings from the current BC Building Code level to net zero energy ready buildings by 2030. Each "step" of the code representing increasing levels of energy-efficiency performance and applies to new construction only.
Several municipalities in the CRD have adopted higher steps of the Step Code. More information on municipal adoption of the Step Code is available here: Implementation updates | Energy Step Code.
