At Home
The average Canadian home produces six and a half tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. Space heating uses the largest amount of energy, so actions that reduce home heating requirements will have the greatest impact.

• Retrofit older homes – Homeowners can save an average of 25 percent per year on their energy bills by implementing the recommendations of an EnerGuide for Houses evaluation and maintaining a cautious eye for energy wastage.
• Buy an R2000 home – An R2000 home uses 30 percent less energy than conventional new housing and can save 1-2 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year. These homes also help save on annual heating and cooling bills and are more comfortable and healthier for living.
• Be energy efficient at home – Trim home heating bills by up to 10 percent and reduce emissions by up to 0.5 tonnes, by lowering the thermostat at night and when the house is unoccupied.
• Replace appliances with more energy-efficient models – A 2002 ENERGY STAR®-labelled refrigerator uses less than half the electricity of a 10 year old model, saving more than $40 per year on a home energy bill and reducing emissions by more than 0.2 tonnes.

At Work
Canadians can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by taking action in the workplace. These actions complement actions at home and on the road and contribute to reducing emissions in commercial and institutional buildings.

• Use computer equipment wisely – Computers and monitors account for approximately 7 percent of electricity consumption in a typical office. Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by enabling the monitor's energy saving features during the day, and turning the computer off every night.
• Purchase more energy-efficient printers, computers, and photocopiers – ENERGY STAR®-labelled printers and photocopiers switch to ‘sleep mode' after a preset period of inactivity, use about 50 percent less energy and generate less heat, thereby reducing cooling costs.
• Ask your company to implement an energy management plan that will save them money and improve the environment. You can’t manage what you can’t measure!

Sustainable Resources Management and Save Energy Engineering can help you address your energy management opportunities and receive a variety of government and utility incentive programs. For more information visit our web site at www.sustainable.on.ca and answer the questionnaire at the end to help us understand your situation.  

David Katz

416-493-9232

dkatz@sustainable.on.ca  

David is a recognized expert in automated environmental systems and the use of daylight in industrial settings.  He recently spoke at an international conference in Atlanta.  For entities with over $45,000 in energy costs, David’s evaluation should be part of their critical plans.   - Editor