As Ontario leads the way towards mandatory home energy audits with other Canadian provinces not far behind, we can learn from the experience of United Kingdom where they have reported quite a bit of success with their programs and are already in the process of planning for zero carbon homes. In the U.K., Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been required since 2008 on houses that are being sold, built or rented.
EPCs are issued after a licensed inspector examines a property for its energy efficiency, a process which allows homeowners to see where improvements can be made to save the most on their energy bills, and gives prospective buyers an idea of the potential costs of owning a given property and the work that may be required to improve its efficiency.
Increasing efficiency in the home presents an effective way to combat climate change, a factor that is a significant selling point with environmentally aware buyers. A UK website states that public buildings are responsible for almost 50% of the UK's energy consumption and carbon emissions and houses, 30%. The UK program makes it mandatory for public buildings to display their energy rating. They have gone a step further and now require all air conditioning units inspected. By 4 January 2009 all air conditioning systems over 250kW must have their first inspection, and by 4 January 2011 all air conditioning systems over 12kW must have their first inspection. The inspection which is done by an accredited energy assessor will include an assessment of efficiency, a review of their sizing and advice on improvements or replacements and alternative solutions. The system inspections will also include boiler rooms in public buildings. For more info: http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/
The UK has a mandate to have all new homes be Zero Carbon Homes by 2016 and public buildings by 2019. The definition of Zero Carbon Homes is based on high energy efficiency, on or near-site carbon reduction, and allowable solutions for dealing with the remaining emissions.
If you want to get an idea of how your home will be rated, download the NAGAB home conservation kit on my site and be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter "Green in Collingwood" http://www.livingincollingwood.com/green
This kit enables you to conduct an preliminary examination of your home and discover areas in which some smaller changes and fixes can be implemented that can help reduce energy costs and improve your property's score on a home energy audit. The majority of home improvements in home energy efficiency are with enhanced insulation, in the cavities of walls, between joists in attics, or around window panes, and from installing efficient fixtures and appliances. These improvements are relatively low-cost, and the benefits they provide in terms of reduced energy consumption mean they pay for themselves over the short term, and provide large savings over the long term. In addition, the audit and subsequent improvements are government subsidized and the savings in energy costs will make the project pay for itself and increase the value of your home. It's simply a win-win situation!
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