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Natural gas is driving greenhouse gas emissions from buildings which contribute 30% of emissions from fossil fuel sources in the County. With Ontario’s clean electricity grid, electrification will be key to reducing these emissions.
Residential buildings
Residential buildings contribute 81,500 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to Wellington County’s emissions from buildings. Of this, 77% is from natural gas.
Home Energy Efficiency Transition
Wellington County partnered with Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors to better understand the needs of our residents when it comes to retrofitting their homes for comfort, health and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
The Home Energy Feasibility Study prepared for Wellington County includes the following:
- Market potential assessment for a home energy efficiency programme
- Programme audience identification
- Industry capacity to respond to demand
- Financial models assessment to support homeowners undertaking energy retrofits
- Projections of local benefits – social, environmental, economic
Want to get started on energy efficiency retrofits now? We recommend connecting with an energy advisor or energy auditor to assess your home's needs. These credentialed professionals can provide objective advice and explain how your home works as a system to keep your family healthy, comfortable and efficient.
Find a service provider in your area here: Find service organizations for existing homes (nrcan.gc.ca)
Funding may be available to support your home energy efficiency transition, including energy audits. See the Funding Opportunities below for more information.
Home Energy Tool Kit
Are you curious about your home’s energy efficiency?
Check out a Home Energy Tool Kit from your local Wellington County Library. The kit will have tools, activities, and information to help you better understand your household energy use, complete with a follow along book of activities.
Downloadable and Printable Home Energy Tool Kit Activity Book
Quick Wins |
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Quick wins are easy, do-it-yourself actions that reduce the use of fossil fuels in your home. Not only will these actions reduce greenhouse gases, they will also improve indoor air quality through reducing fuel combustion in the home.
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Whole Home Electrification |
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Whole home electrification considers the house as a system. Based on building science, a plan is developed to increase air tightness and insulation in order to reduce the heating load. This is followed up by right-fit low-emissions home heating upgrades. With increased air tightness, the plan also includes actions for improved ventilation and air exchange. Not only will the plan result in a more efficient home, it will also improve home comfort. Whole home electrification is not something that can be undertaken as a do-it-yourself project. |
Additional information can be found here:
- Energy efficiency resources for your home retrofits (nrcan.gc.ca)
- BetterHomesTO - Toronto's resource for residential energy efficiency
Funding Opportunities
Government and utility programmes have been set up to support homeowners as they invest in improving their homes efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Industry, Commercial, Institutional
Companies and institutions are recognizing the need to integrate climate action into all aspects of their business. This sector contributes 118,300 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) to the County’s emissions from fossil fuels sources. Similar to homes, actions to reduce emissions need to focus on reducing the use of natural gas in equipment and heating.
Funding Opportunities
Government and utility programmes have been set up to support business owners as they invest in improving their buildings’ efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as training for energy auditors and managers.
Energy Efficiency For Business & Industry | Save on Energy
Energy Efficiency for Small Business | Save on Energy
Energy Training & Support for Contractors & Allies | Save on Energy
