Community Energy Association

The trusted independent advisor to local governments on climate and energy

Low-Carbon Fuels in BC

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Low-carbon fuels have lower greenhouse gas emissions over their full life cycle, compared to petroleum-derived gasoline and diesel. Most of these fuels can be used in existing engines and infrastructure,…

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Contractors can use these helpful tips to collect the key information needed for F280-12 calculations and proper mechnical equipment right-sizing.

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Contractors and builders can use these helpful tips when evaluating, selecting, and designing heat pump systems.

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Following this short guide, municipal governments can put decarbonization on the local hotel industry’s agenda, convening conversations, developing tailored resources and education, and building capacity for change.

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This document can serve as a starting point for developing a ZCSC implementation pathway. It does not replace technical documentation, but provides a helpful bridge between policy intent and on-the-ground application.

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This document references published guidelines and resources that may be particularly helpful to local governments as they plan accessible EV charger installations and summarizes the top considerations.

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This document outlines the key considerations and recommendations for the development of a Climate Action Revitalization Tax Exemption (CATE) program that will motivate building owners of large commercial and multi-family…

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With the wealth of readily available resources and supportive programs, local governments can make it significantly easier for motivated community members to initiate and lead EV charging retrofits of their…

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This document summarizes the specific actions local governments can take to support retrofits in their community with links to supplementary resources and examples of how actions are being applied in…

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This listing shares tools, learning, connections and funding sources to help transition your fleet vehicles to zero-emissions. Compiled and published by the Community Energy Association with funding and support from…

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Community Energy Association’s Danielle Wiess will take us through all things electric vehicles. Topics cover: Electric vehicle charging, Important install considerations, Costing, and Incentive programs. Thanks to support from Columbia…

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CO2 emissions from buildings represent close to 40% of global energy related CO2 emissions. Of those total emissions, operational emissions are responsible for 28%, while embodied emissions are responsible for…

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This report examines how policy can accelerate newly constructed emissions-neutral buildings, which use less energy and require no costly retrofits, contributing to the success of Edmonton’s energy transition strategy.

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A 24-unit residential development in the West Kootenays is now EV ready—and the number of electric vehicles has tripled—thanks to rebates to support infrastructure upgrades and some pro bono contributions from innovative residents.

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The EV Ready Implementation Cohort was a pilot approach to support CEA’s Peer Networks in further advancing climate action in their communities. Implementation Cohorts are topical specific cohorts focused on the implementation of one shared priority where there is an existing commitment to adopt and implement.   

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Watch the presentation by CleanBC and Retrofit Assist and learn the basics of heat pumps and their energy-saving potential, how heat pumps can improve your home’s comfort, air quality and…

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A home energy retrofit, guided by an Energy Advisor’s renovation upgrade report, can bring property owners huge value. Learn how to discuss retrofits with your clients using this handy guide.

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Home energy retrofits can improve comfort, lower day-to-day costs, and increase property value. Realtors can use this guide to help explain the retrofit process to their clients.

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Home energy retrofits can improve comfort, increase energy efficiency and improve air quality. Understand the basic retrofit process with this simple hand out.

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This report provides a summary of effective climate action enablers and highlights some of the best practices being implemented by various local governments in BC.

As local governments in BC have declared a climate emergency and directed staff to update/develop plans in response to climate change, local governments need to identify and implement actions to make progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Learning from the experience of others and implementing actions that have proven to be effective in reducing emissions will expedite the implementation process and reduce costs.

This study identifies emerging best practices for “bold climate action” implementation and compiles insights from local governments based on surveys, interviews and a scan of relevant reporting.

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Watch a presentation about FortisBC’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) and other home energy upgrade rebates available.

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Learn about installation and product requirements for the CleanBC Better Homes and Canada Greener Homes rebate programs. If you are a contractor looking to learn more about Provincial and Federal…

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Learn about installation and product requirements for the CleanBC Better Homes and Canada Greener Homes rebate programs. If you are an HVAC contractor looking to learn more about Provincial and…

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This project explored the potential addition of a wood-fibre insulation manufacturing plant in British Columbia. This certainly seems like an opportune time to explore additional value-added capacity for wood product…

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Kootenay Solar’s Grace Storvold will take us through solar photovoltaic systems, including: How solar panels work, Ways to mount solar panels, Installing solar panels in the Kootenay and Boundary region,…

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The Community Energy Association recently hosted a webinar on solar energy. You can watch along below and if you have any questions please feel free to post them on the…

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Community Energy Association’s Danielle Wiess will take us through all things electric vehicles. Topics cover: Electric vehicle charging, Important install considerations, Costing, and incentive programs. Thanks to support from Columbia…

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A quick reference sheet showing the steps and information Energy Advisors will need to optimize design and cost savings in both new construction and home energy retrofits.

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Learn about energy-efficient products and what rebates and incentives are available. There are many elements of an energy-efficient home such as heat pumps, energy-efficient windows and doors, heat pump water…

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Ecolighten Energy Solution’s Rob Pope will take us through hybrid heating systems for cold climates, including: Types of hybrid heating systems, When to consider a hybrid system, and Important design…

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Effective March 10th, 2025, Emissions Level 1 (EL-1) of the Zero Carbon Step Code will be required for Part 9 and Part 3 new construction in BC. Check out this…

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This webinar by Ecolighten Energy Solution’s Rob Pope provides an introduction to balance point calculations, covering the following: Heat Pump Balance Point – What is balance point -Why is it…

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This webinar by Ecolighten Energy Solution’s Rob Pope provides an introduction to hydronic systems, covering the following: Hydronic system options for new construction and home retrofits. Introduction to air-to-water heat…

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Contractor webinar, prepared by Ecolighten Energy Solutions, Prepared for Community Energy Association. Interested in learning more about current topics in energy efficiency and mechanical systems? Watch the first webinar in the…

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Just over a month after the October local government elections in BC, CEA worked with Climate Caucus and the BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council (BCMCLC) to present a webinar for…

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Currently, youth are faced with barriers and obstacles to participation in municipal decision making systems and often municipalities struggle to engage youth in meaningful ways as they seek to advance their climate action work. So, how can youth have more opportunities to shape and advance municipalities’ climate action work, and how can municipalities better engage and seek input and support from youth? CityHive exists to fill this gap; and was able to undertake a 6 month long research project to better understand the needs of municipalities to co-create climate actions with youth to inform program decisions to shape how youth and decision makers can work collaboratively to address climate change policies and issues on agendas of municipalities across the Metro Vancouver region. 

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In December of 2022 Greg Bloom, Manager of Industry Relations at the Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC) gave a great presentation about the HPSC and the Home Performance Contractor Network…

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Interested in learning about rebate programs to help support your home energy retrofits? Watch this webinar to learn about Federal, Provincial, and municipal programs with Grant Moonie, Outreach and Marketing…

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A one hour webinar recorded live in November 2022 to introduce you to heat pump technology with a specific focus on cold climate heat pumps and rebates. This webinar features…

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Two-hour webinar to  understand potential unintended consequences (indoor air quality, moisture management, etc.) if energy efficiency retrofits are not done right. 

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Two-hour webinar to learn the basics of building science with a focus on control of transmission heat loss, air leakage, vapour diffusion, rain/snow, and ground/surface water.

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One-hour webinar with experts from Ecolighten Energy Solutions and the Home Performance Stakeholder Council to learn about changes happening in the HVAC industry, including heat pump technologies (ducted, ductless, cold climate, dual fuel), retrofit applications, industry support for contractors and latest rebates.

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Collaboration, Better Together

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Two-hour webinar on unraveling the mysteries of cold climate heat pumps. Presented by Edmonton-based builder Peter Amerongen, and Don Curry, heat-pump installer.

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A one-hour session delivered to elected officials by northern-based builders, an energy advisor, and CHBA Northern BC, discussing how they are already succeeding at Step Code’s performance pathway to achieve energy efficient, high performance homes.

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What does the CleanBC Roadmap mean to local governments? Where is the biggest opportunity for communities? The BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council and Community Energy Association hosted a virtual dialogue for BC elected officials to prepare for the decade of climate action by highlighting the key opportunities of the CleanBC Roadmap.

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Explore proven approaches to marketing high performance, energy efficient homes with a focus in northern BC.

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Join local builder, Bruce Murdoch, of K-Country Homes to learn about balancing cost & energy efficiency, achieving air tightness and selecting mechanical systems.

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This comprehensive webinar offers building professionals and designers guidance in planning and implementing solar PV options for their clients.

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To understand the value streams vehicle-to-building (V2B) can provide, it is essential to understand the scale of energy storage that EV batteries can offer with high EV adoption rates in British Columbia. This report was produced by Amaiya Khardenavis, UBC Sustainability Scholar, as part of the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program, a partnership between the University of British Columbia and various local governments and organizations in support of providing graduate students with opportunities to do applied research on projects that advance sustainability across the region.

This project was conducted under the mentorship of the Community Energy Association.

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CEA undertook a survey of local governments between May 14th and May 19th 2021 to provide a timely, independent assessment of how local governments used the CARIP program and to assess the impact that the program has had. The 45 responses to the survey indicate that the CARIP program was a valued, unique, high-leverage program for large and medium communities while delivering modest benefits to small communities.

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Step Code Implementation support.

Part 3 0f a 3 part series.

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The decade of climate action begins.

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Step Code Implementation support.

 

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CEA researched how many medium duty vehicles (F250-F450 and equivalents) are registered across Canada, how many are used for various  kinds of businesses, and where the opportunities are to reduce emissions in this sector.

The fleets in this sector are focused on electrification to deliver emissions reductions. We engaged with the vehicle registration entity in each province and obtained registration data for key provinces. The report identifies specific opportunities for Natural Resources Canada to support emissions reduction and highlights local government opportunities as well.

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Step Code Implementation support.

Part 2 0f a 3 part series.

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Step Code Implementation support.

 

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Step Code Implementation support.

Part 1 0f a 3 part series.

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The ZEV Story Toolkit equips local and regional governments to be the designers and delivery agents of quality, creative communications materials in order to improve awareness and increase ZEV adoption in their community. The toolkit includes a guide as well as examples and templates to walk local governments from project conception through to creating communications materials.

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Step Code Implementation support.

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In this webinar, CEA demonstrates its interactive Climate Action Planner tool, https://www.communityenergy.ca/climate-action-planner/. This tool allows a user to create a draft energy & emissions inventory for any local government or Islands Trust Area in BC, and conduct simplified modelling to see the effectiveness of implementing actions to meet GHG reduction targets. This webinar also demonstrates how it should be used in conjunction with the Climate Leaders Playbook (“the Playbook”), https://bcclimateleaders.ca/, and how it relates to the FCM-ICLEI Partners for Climate Protection milestones.

View the presentation slides.

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Local governments are already doing a lot to create low carbon, livable communities, and there are many ways the Province can support. In this infographic, created by the BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council in collaboration with CEA, we lay out the specific ways the Province can support local governments in their climate action pathway.

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Why is home energy efficiency important and how can it be achieved in every new build? The Community Energy Association has created several short videos through the “Building a Legacy” initiative to address this question.

In addition to topics like Becoming an Energy Advisor and Improving Performance Through Air-Tightness, there are case studies of high performing homes, interviews with builders and home owners, and an analysis of how Kimberley, BC, transformed its local building industry.

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Follow up to our initial recommendations on fundamental elements of a new business model to significantly increase the number of electric air source heat pump industry in BC’s lower mainland, this report documents what we’ve learned since introducing the concept to the region including stakeholder input from interviews and outreach.

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The #RuralEV Mobile Showcase was a 2-year initiative to bring the experience of EVs to residents across the Kootenays. This graphic report summarizes outcomes of the project as well as the various elements of the campaign.

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Canada’s first community driven collaborative strategy to build a clean transportation network was completed in 2019. The 3-year, $1.89 million project brought together multiple partners with varying expertise to transform a rural region into one that facilitates EV travel to and within the region. This report summarizes the key achievements of the project and the related the impacts and outcomes.

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Why is home energy efficiency important and how can it be achieved in every new build? The Community Energy Association has created several short videos through the “Building a Legacy” initiative to address this question.

In addition to topics like Becoming an Energy Advisor and Improving Performance Through Air-Tightness, there are case studies of high performing homes, interviews with builders and home owners, and an analysis of how Kimberley, BC, transformed its local building industry.

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Whether you are an elected official, a builder or a tradesperson, it’s important you know what the BC Energy Step Code is, and how the Province of BC is supporting the transition to net zero ready new building construction.

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Community Energy Association (CEA) and the BC Municipal Climate Leadership Council (BCMCLC) hosted an online dialogue called The Opportunity of Here and Now: Local Governments and a Green Recovery.

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As we begin the thoughtful journey to build back better, it’s imperative we implement solutions that are reflective of this unique situation. Given where we are now and which sectors and individuals have been impacted most, we have the opportunity to choose a stimulus strategy that builds in economic, health and climate benefits.

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A 2-page summary of the City of Kimberley’s pathway to increasing energy efficiency of new buildings and transitioning to the BC Energy Step Code

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“Closing the Loop” places Integrated Resource Recovery into a broader approach we are calling “regenerative infrastructure”. The approach, and its name, is inspired by the concept of regenerative design, which mimics nature’s processes. In nature, there is no waste, as all resources cycle through closed loop systems and serve a purpose.

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CEA and MCCAC are pleased to release the 2019 edition of Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives – a guide to funding for Alberta local governments. This publication reviews 24 funding programs that support energy and climate change planning for Alberta municipalities.

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Following a comparison of several heat pump programs in North America along with other strategies and business models, this report recommends fundamental elements of a new business model for the heat pump industry in Metro Vancouver to significantly increase the number of electric air source heat pumps in single family homes.

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This is a practical guide for local governments and policy makers on commercial transportation market transformation. The guide covers technologies and policy options for local governments as well as key levers provincial and federal governments have to accelerate emissions reductions and transform commercial vehicle markets.

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Partnerships to Accelerate Residential Retrofits in BC Webinar  – October 2, 2018 Webinar:

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The Province of B.C. is developing a strategy for clean growth and is seeking feedback from local governments and others on the direction of the strategy. On July 20th, 2018, the Province released intentions papers focusing on clean transportation, efficient buildings, and clean growth for industry. CEA has summarized the highlights of the three intentions papers below, and encouraged local governments to provide input to the Province. The consultation period closed August 24, 2018.

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CEA is pleased to release the 2020 edition of Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives: A Funding Guide for BC Local Governments. It features more than 40 funding programs that support local government energy planning, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy projects and sustainable transportation initiatives.

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Webinar recording: 

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Webinar slides: Presentation Webinar: Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth & Climate Change  

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Webinar slides: Presentation Webinar: Show me the Money: Funding Opportunities for Local Government Climate Action

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This document summarizes potential renewable energy options in RDCK Area D and Kaslo as well as identifies technologies and specific opportunities that warrant further study.

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Local Government & Carbon Funds – February 21, 2017 Webinar slides: Introduction (Community Energy Association) BC Local Government Carbon Funds (Community Energy Association) Sparwood’s Carbon Neutral Reserve Fund (District of…

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Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives – a guide to funding for Alberta local governments reviews sources of funding for Alberta municipalities involved in energy and climate change planning.

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This online guide helps communities move Community Energy Plans from vision to implementation. The framework features 10 strategies that provide advice on political, staff and stakeholder engagement; staff and financial capacity; and embedding energy into local government plans and processes. Click here to access the tool.

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Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives is a guide to funding for BC local governments involved in energy planning and climate action.

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Webinar slides: Introduction (Community Energy Association) New Home Program (FortisBC and BC Hydro) Webinar: Utility Incentives for Building Energy Efficient Homes

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Webinar slides: Introduction (Community Energy Association) Presentation (Pembina Institute) Webinar: Upcoming BC Stretch Codes

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Webinar slides: Presentation Webinar: BC’s Climate Leadership Plan and What it Means for Local Governments

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  2016 NCLGA BCMCLC Energy Workshop Presentation Dawson Creek Offset Purchasing Policy Dawson Creek Carbon Fund Policy – Revised

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This report provides a snapshot of BC local government commitments to renewable energy projects up to the first quarter of 2015 and suggests funding approaches for overcoming barriers and providing further support.

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Webinar slides: Introduction: CEA Tools, Projects and Resources Township of Esquimalt: Saving Energy & Money in Corporate Operations LED Streetlights across BC: A Technology Adoption Program Webinar: Saving Energy &…

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Webinar slides: Introduction: Tools, Projects and Resources (Community Energy Association) Voluntary High Performance New Homes (Township of Langley) Building Incentive and Rebate Program (District of Invermere) Building Permit Rebate Programs…

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Webinar slides: Introduction: Approaches and Best Practice (Community Energy Association) Cash Incentive tied to Checklist Performance (Regional District of Nanaimo) Development Cost Charge Reductions tied to Checklist Performance (City of…

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The report analyses the following 11 BC-based residential energy efficiency campaigns (energy diets) , up to the end of March 2014

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This report provides an overview and analysis of local government-led or supported residential energy efficiency campaigns and is intended to help inform future program development and potential collaboration between local governments and utilities for delivery.

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The “Integrated Community Energy Solutions Progress Report for the Province of British Columbia” was released in August 2013.

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This report provides a snapshot of community-based renewable energy projects in BC at the end of 2013

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This handbook is a more detailed and technical companion document to the Small Scale Biomass District Heating Guide.

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The ‘Small-scale Biomass District Heating Guide’ is written primarily for local governments and First Nations elected officials and staff to support an active local government and band role in the development of clean energy and a green economy. The Guide supports the growing number of small communities across British Columbia interested in making a business case for biomass district heating.

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This guide highlights lessons learned from local government EV planning & implementation processes under BC’s Clean Energy Vehicle program.

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Text in this Short Description is what gets displayed on the Publications category pages.  Then the full text would appear if the visitor clicks through.

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.Volume 2 includes 13 detailed case studies of green energy projects and utilities across BC

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Best practices for implementation from detailed analysis of 30 community energy and emissions plans across Canada.

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Volume 1 of the guide provides detailed guidance on financing and governance for green energy project and utilities

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This handbook compiles the latest fuel efficiency and fleet management information in a concise fashion, and provides fleet managers and staff with tangible, implementable approaches to fuel and GHG emission reductions.

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Funded by TransLink and prepared in collaboration with Metro Vancouver, the EV Primer provides regional and municipal decision makers with a guide to support transition to a higher level of deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the light duty vehicle fleet across Metro Vancouver. The Primer is attached below. 

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This document summarizes the findings of a high level review of potential renewable energy options in the North Thompson area, consisting of the Simpcw First Nation, Barriere, Clearwater, and Electoral Areas A, B, and O.

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Funding Your Community Energy and Climate Change Initiatives is a guide to funding and resources for BC local governments involved in energy planning and climate change action.

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Heating Our Communities has been written for local government elected officials and staff interested in encouraging the use of renewable sources of energy for heating in communities.

Iis one module of the Community Energy Association’s Renewable Energy Guide for Local Governments in British Columbia. Other modules of this guide include:

  • Policy and Governance Tools (how local governments can encourage and mandate use of renewable energy in the community)
  • Utilities and Financing, which presents options for local governments to own and operate renewable energy projects and utilities
  • Powering Our Communities, which describes renewable electricity opportunities

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This study is an essential element in the 15‐month Build to Zero initiative that is designed to help local
governments in BC’s Lower Mainland prepare selected policies and strategies to a near‐state‐ofreadiness
for implementation

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Attached below is the 2009 Community Energy Association Annual Report

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This guide provides an introduction to the wide range of clean energy strategies and green economy opportunities for rural communities in British Columbia.

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Energy Efficiency & Buildings is intended to provide BC local governments with information about and practical examples of useful tools in energy efficiency planning.

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This survey was a follow-up to the 2006 CEA/UBCM/Province local government energy planning survey, with a particular focus on district energy and small-scale power generation. This survey report will provide valuable guidance to the Province and various agencies for shaping future energy support for local governments.

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British Columbia is fortunate to have prodigious clean energy resources. Opportunities likely to be of interest to local governments in British Columbia include:• Small or micro hydroelectric power, including opportunities within municipal water systems• Energy from waste, from anaerobic digestion of organic waste, or gasification• Landfill gas utilization• Woodwaste and other biomass sources• Solar photovoltaic power• Small wind power• Fuel cell generation.

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Local governments can bring substantial benefits to their communities by encouraging and supporting the development of renewable energy.

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This case study guide is a directory to a wide range of existing, practical, energy-related case studies that
can inspire work toward community energy sustainability

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This guide describes the purpose and content of a community energy and emissions plan, its benefits, and how to go about creating one.

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Utilities and Financing has been written for local government elected officials and staff interested in developing renewable energy projects and utilities in their communities

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This report, prepared by the Community Energy Association, introduces GSHP technology, suggests options for encouraging GSHPs in the community, and illustrates possibilities for City involvement in the ownership and operation of GSHP systems. The report does not address the financial cost-effectiveness or technical considerations of installing ground-source heat pumps.

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On April 25, 2007 CEA and Sustainability Solutions Group organized the “Empowering Community – Making Neighborhood Level Renewable Energy a Reality” workshop.  The documents attached are the results of that effort.

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On April 25, 2007 CEA and Sustainability Solutions Group organized the “Empowering Community – Making Neighborhood Level Renewable Energy a Reality” workshop.  The documents attached are the results of that effort.

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“A Tool Kit for Community Energy Planning in BC” was first produced by the Community Energy Association in April 1997. Published originally as a three-ring binder, the Tool Kit quickly established itself both as a widely used practical resource and a frequently cited academic reference.

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“A Tool Kit for Community Energy Planning in BC” was first produced by the Community Energy Association in April 1997. Published originally as a three-ring binder, the Tool Kit quickly established itself both as a widely used practical resource and a frequently cited academic reference.

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This Tool Kit is written primarily for local elected officials, municipal and regional planners and engineers, real estate developers, as well as anyone interested in community sustainability and energy opportunities.