CCEM 105 Question 2

[Carly Johansson]

When considering the construction of new buildings in your community, what do you think would be an easier sell in terms of programs or policies – those supporting highly energy efficient buildings or those supporting typical buildings with renewable energy?

[Carly Johansson]

Good question! I suspect that most of the public would support constructing a typical building and adding renewable energy. While I can’t say definitively why this would be the case, it probably has something to do with the high profile of RE. and the ease by which the public can understand its use. The benefits of energy efficiency seem to be a little more murky for them. I suspect this is why we need to focus on energy literacy so keenly in our work.

[Jen Grebeldinger]

Ryan, I agree with you that the renewable technologies such as solar are easier to get people to take notice of, given the more attractive, innovative features they offer. Even though the renewable technologies are the more “glamorous” option, we try to keep folks focused on the importance of the Energy Pyramid & the greater need for Conservation & Efficiency ahead of Renewable Technologies.

I’ve just read an article from the most recent Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) newsletter titled SPARK … that relates to this Forum question. The article title is: “Residential Energy+: Mapping the Future of Home Energy Upgrades” … a summary of a recent interactive workshop is as follows:

“Rocky Mountain Institute and Carbon War Room recently convened over 50 market actors and industry experts for an interactive, solutions-focused workshop to galvanize efforts unlocking investments in residential energy performance improvements.”

http://blog.rmi.org/blog_2015_11_12_residential_energy_plus_mapping_the_future_of_home_energy_upgrades

[Jen Grebeldinger]

Arctic Energy Alliance is very clear in supporting communities, businesses, & residents with a priority on Energy CONSERVATION, then Energy Efficiency, & once both of those have been significantly addressed, then Renewable Energy technologies.

This is illustrated well through the Energy Pyramid, as shown on a few different websites:

Home Energy Upgrades Loading Order

Home Energy Upgrades Loading Order

Smart Energy Living pyramid
http://smartenergyliving.org/index.cfm/ID/4/Resources/
http://www.modernenviro.com/pyramid-of-conservation-helps-prioritize-home-energy-efficiency/ … this site indicates it has an interactive tool associated with their energy conservation pyramid diagram but the link seems to be out of date

The City of Yellowknife has had success with their “new home policy” of EGH 80, which supports this Conservation focus. This is one of the key components of Recommendation #7 of the City of Yellowknife’s Community Energy Plan that is outlined below:

#7. Adopt energy efficient building standards and incorporate into the City’s building
by-law:
a. Use EGH-80 as a standard for new residential construction,
b. Use CBIP as a standard for new commercial construction, and
c. Use EnergyStar as a standard for appliances/office equipment in all new
construction.

Along the way, some builders are designing some of the new homes to be “solar ready” to enable easier uptake of solar infrastructure down the road.

• This reply was modified 9 years ago by Jen Grebeldinger.

[Jen Grebeldinger]

In Nanaimo, I think up to now, it has been easier supporting programs and policies that support typical buildings with renewable energy. This was because of concerns that the typical developer was not interested in taking advantage of any program promoting highly energy efficient building. The sophistication in using energy modelling in the design of the project was not there typically and it was always easier to look at energy efficient components insolation.

That is changing however, with more developers coming from other communities in the lower mainland. This is somewhat raising the bar for what is expected in a project. But this is usually still focused on higher end commercial / mixed residential projects (Proposed downtown Hilton comes to mind).

Regional workshops and green building tours showcasing Passiv Hause construction and other green building projects is changing attitudes with the larger construction companies and development consultants, which will influence the local developers over time.

[Carly Johansson]

Like Rob, I live a southern coastal community and it looks to me that most people are looking at renewable energy rather than energy efficient building. I suspect that given the milder climate, that there is more bang for your buck in renewable energy (especially with BC Hydro program of net metering allowing you to offset your hydro bill) in this region. In area’s where climate is more extreme, the benefit line might hoover closer to energy efficiency and therefore the sell of renewable vs efficiency moves more to the person’s upfront capital available for building and what they desire from where they live.

[Jen Grebeldinger]

I’d say that efficient building policies would have the edge where I am. People are still skeptical about the economic value of renewable energy.

[Carly Johansson]

Kjell – you are on Saltspring if I remember – do you think that efficient building policies would have the edge because there is also less access to reputable renewable energy system suppliers on the island, whereas there are building trades people and hardware stores sufficient for the population?

[Jen Grebeldinger]

I would agree with both Ryan and Teresa that renewable energy systems do seem to be a common first consideration for homeowners thinking of retro fitting or even building new. I would add the issue of affordability in being more energy efficient is a serious consideration for many residents in Nanaimo with existing homes. The City’s Realtor Energy Efficiency Program, worked with realtors to raise awareness about energy benchmarking and getting clients to complete home energy assessments. By accomplishing the basic assessment, a wide range of opportunities (from replacing existing windows to increasing the insulation in the attic) provide a variety of options (and levels of affordability) that help a homeowner make a more informed and affordable choice to be more energy efficient.

• This reply was modified 9 years ago by Jen Grebeldinger.

[Jen Grebeldinger]

I would agree with both Ryan and Teresa that renewable energy systems do seem to be a common first consideration for homeowners thinking of retro fitting or even building new. I would add the issue of affordability in being more energy efficient is a serious consideration for many residents in Nanaimo with existing homes. The City’s Realtor Energy Efficiency Program, worked with realtors to raise awareness about energy benchmarking and getting clients to complete home energy assessments. By accomplishing the basic assessment, a wide range of opportunities (from replacing existing windows to increasing the insulation in the attic) provide a variety of options (and levels of affordability) that help a homeowner make a more informed and affordable choice to be more energy efficient.

[Author]

Posts