Energy Conservation

According to the latest environmental findings, the global ecological footprint is presently at over 23%, meaning it takes more than 14 months for the earth to regenerate what we use in a single year. At this rate, global consumption will greatly outpace nature's ability to sustain us. The City recognizes the significant impact energy conservation can have on a community, its citizens, and the environment; how simple actions at work and at home can lead to energy efficiencies that have a global echo. In support of its Official Community Plan, the City is implementing, participating and collaborating on programs in the transportation and development fields to achieve energy conservation and ensure a sustainable community for future generations.

Video Feature BC Hydro Power Smart Program

Lonsdale Energy Corporation

This award winning district energy service represents one of the many ways the City is taking a proactive, positive step toward becoming a more sustainable community. LEC delivers high-efficiency green energy through a state-of-the-art heating system. It uses a series of boiler mini-plants to circulate hot water and heat the buildings that are connected to the LEC system. Click here for more info about this innovative service.

Partners for Climate Protection Program

This national initiative supports municipal governments in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the larger issues related to global climate change. The program is based on a five-milestone framework to guide municipalities toward the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for both municipal operations and community-wide emissions. Click here for more info.

Greenhouse Gas Local Action Plan

The City's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Local Action Plan focuses on cost-effective actions to reduce GHG emissions that contribute to the larger issue of climate change. All three components of the Local Action Plan corporate action and responsibility, community-wide activities, and partnership programs must work in tandem so that the City can better manage the impacts of urban development. Click here to obtain a copy of the City's GHG Local Action Plan.

Home Energy Efficiency Incentive Program

The City encourages residents to take advantage of significant grants and rebates offered through the federal government's ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes Program by making energy efficient upgrades to their detached and semi-detached homes. In three easy steps, residents can save money, help the environment and create a healthier, more comfortable home for their families. Click here for more info.

Wood Stove Exchange Program

The City encourages residents to trade in their old wood burning appliances and receive $250 in the process. Metro Vancouver's Wood Stove Exchange Program offers a $250 rebate to eligible residents who exchange a qualifying wood stove or heating appliance for a new, low-emission replacement. By trading in an uncertified wood burning appliance for an EPA-approved one, City residents can heat their homes more efficiently, reduce harmful wood smoke emissions and improve air quality in the community. Rebate funding is limited and offered to eligible residents on a first come, first served basis. Click here for more info.

Energy Savings Plan

The City was a selected participant in the Energy Savings Plan (ESP), which began as a provincial incentive program that encouraged homeowners to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs by making upgrades to their home. The program now also provides residents, building owners, developers, and municipalities with easy access to energy efficiency information. Click here for more info.

E3 Fleet Rating System

The City is a charter member of this regional program which measures green performance for fleet in North America. Membership highlights the City's commitment to manage its fleet of service vehicles according to environmental best practices, and pursue greener fleet options such as its hydrogen truck. As well, the City qualifies for E3 incentives that will help green its fleet and achieve carbon-neutral standards. Click here for more info about E3.

BC Hydro Green Power Certificate Program

In support of its Greenhouse Gas Local Action Plan, the City is a member of BC Hydro's Green Power Certificate Program, under which the City purchases over 10% of its building electrical power from green energy sources. In this way, the City supports the province's efforts to use green power that is renewable and environmentally responsible, with minimal or no emissions. Click here for more info.

BC Hydro Power Smart Partner Program

Through this program, the City works with BC Hydro to integrate energy efficiency into its ongoing business management practices. The partnership enables the City to reduce costs and improve municipal operations. As well, the City gains access to BC Hydro programs and funding for initiatives that aim to identify and implement energy efficient projects. Click herefor more info.

BC Hydro Fridge Buy-Back Program

The City encourages residents to recycle their old fridges and receive $30 in the process. The BC Hydro Fridge Buy-Back Program recycles old, inefficient fridges for residents. The fridge must measure between 10 to 24 cubic feet and be in working condition. BC Hydro will pick the fridge up, recycle it and give residents a $30 cheque. This program encourages residents to remove secondary fridges from their homes, as fridges are one of the highest energy users. By offering to pick up inefficient fridges, BC Hydro is providing important energy savings and ensures that the fridges are recycled and disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.

EnerGuide for Existing Buildings

The City is a member of the federal government's EnerGuide for Existing Buildings (EEB) program. EEB enables the City to work with a network of partners and service providers across Canada to further its Greenhouse Gas Local Action Plan. Under the EEB program, the City is also eligible for grants and funding opportunities that support municipal plans to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Click here for more info.

Civic Lighting Retrofit Program

Under its lighting retrofit program, the City anticipates reducing both its annual electrical consumption and the level of greenhouse gas emissions utilized each year. Four key civic buildings are being retrofitted with lights and fixtures that use less energy but do not compromise existing lighting levels in workspaces. The buildings include the Gerry Brewer RCMP building, Fire Hall, Works Yard, and future Civic Centre. Click here for more info.

Turn It Off Challenge

In the summer of 2007, the City was one of over 60 municipalities who participated in BC Hydro's Turn It Off Challenge. For 30 days, City residents were encouraged to join City staff in becoming as energy efficient as possible by making simple changes in their electricity use. In the category of 15,000 to 50,000 residents, the City garnered second place honours.