The Affordable Option Is the Energy-Efficient, Low-Carbon Option
“Do you view sustainability as a benefit or burden?”
This was the question Ben Bigelow of Inland Control and Services Inc. asked participants during the Northern Energy Efficiency Showcase, presented on May 22, 2026, at the College of New Caledonia’s Prince George campus. Ben’s answer was very much “benefit,” as he outlined the operational and financial perks of smart energy decisions, as well as the reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved longevity and comfort of facilities.
These multiple benefits came up time and time again during the event, which included presentations and discussions as well as tours of the College’s retrofit project and the geoexchange system at Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary. The participants included representation from local governments, funders, construction companies, engineers, energy advisors, education, and health care – all interested in the real options for achieving energy efficiency and energy-related cost savings in northern climates.
CleanBC set ambitious goals to decarbonize buildings across B.C., but the 2025 CleanBC review found that meeting energy and climate targets can be more difficult and costly in colder regions, and that regional differences need greater recognition. This was the reason behind the Energy Efficiency Showcase: to use local projects to demonstrate how those barriers can be overcome. By highlighting real-world projects and the experiences of practitioners, the event showed that low-carbon energy efficiency is not only achievable, but may also be the more affordable option.
Funding and Support for Retrofits
CEA has produced a resource for communities that are interested in reducing energy consumption and boosting support for local businesses and residents.
Advancing Energy Retrofits: Policies and Programs for More Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Buildings
Find links to funding programs and case studies. Note the information about incentives starting on page 7 and Education and Outreach resources starting on page 10.
The Showcase at a Glance
Welcome and opening remarks from Lheidli T’enneh elder, UNBC Chancellor, and CNC Advisor to the President, Darlene McIntosh.
Participants introduce themselves, outline their interests in energy efficiency, and share current projects they’re most proud of.
Increasing Public Awareness of Northern Leadership
The Northern Energy Efficiency Showcase received coverage from the Prince George media:
Northern B.C. communities can tap into a network to cut energy costs and carbon - CKPG
Ken van Aalst and Josh Bracey of the College of New Caledonia lead a tour of the campus retrofit, which is involving the replacement of windows, doors, insulation, and cladding, significantly boosting the energy-efficiency of the entire campus.
Presentations were paired with opportunities for dialogue and Q&A. Here’s Michael Yearwood of Blue Green Solar, who has installed vertical solar panels and other energy technologies in northern communities to eliminate fossil fuel consumption.
Ben Bigelow (left) of Inland Control and Services, and Wil Wedel, CAO of the District of Vanderhoof, outline their work to complete energy assessments of civic facilities in Vanderhoof and the funding available to offset the costs of both the assessments and the actual improvements.
As part of the event, participants indicated the location of projects around the North that feature high levels of energy efficiency. 17 projects – new builds and retrofits, residential and commercial/institutional – were mapped.
Stay Connected
The Northern Energy Efficiency Showcase was presented by CEA’s Building a Legacy program and the Northern BC Climate Action Network (NorthCAN). Keep in touch with other northern organizations and learn about initiatives in northern communities that are demonstrating leadership in renewable energy, buildings, transportation, and economic development.
Thank you
Funding from BC Hydro enabled the Northern Energy Efficiency Showcase. Thank you, BC Hydro, as well as the organizations supporting NorthCAN: Northern Development Initiative Trust and the Government of BC.
