Welcome

This month we’ve got a little something to get everyone excited about -- saving greenhouse gas emissions.  Whether you are an inventive kid, a savvy homeowner, a web-surfer or someone who is just interested in what’s happening around your city, this issue was written for you!  

One Day is a City of Vancouver initiative that encourages residents to take small actions in their daily lives to use less energy at home and on the move, to help protect the climate, and to make Vancouver the cleanest, greenest, healthiest city in the world.

This month we’re asking you to consider a few opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency for less:

1.    Book a $150 ecoENERGY assessment; the first stop on your way to up to $5,000 in federal rebates.  Click here for rest of the steps and rebate information.
2.    Claim your 2009 federal Home Improvement Tax Credit.  All ecoENERGY improvements are eligible for an additional 15 per cent in tax credits.
3.    Check out BC Hydro’s opportunities for saving, such as their fridge buy-back program, mail-in rebates, appliance rebates, lighting specials and window offers online.   
4.    Consider a solar hot water system.  Approximately $3,000 (almost half of the typical $6,800 system cost) is available towards the cost of residential systems in Vancouver. Visit Solar BC for a comprehensive introduction to solar hot water heating systems, detailed buyers guide and case studies.  
5.    Visit TerasenGas.com for offers such as: up to $600 in coupons for an Energy Star heating system upgrade or savings of up to $550 on an EnerChoice natural gas fireplace.  

If you work in Vancouver and would like someone from One Day to come and talk to your office about these opportunities, e-mail us.  

This month, we'd also like to recognize Executive Chef Robert Belcham and Chef de Cuisine Alvin Pillay for making their weekly excursion from their restaurant, Campagnolo, to nearby Main Street Farmers Market where the fresh local produce inspires them to dream up delicious creations each week.  Eco-conscious guests can also spot some green design features at Campagnolo, such as:  dual flush toilets, light sensors in washrooms, recycled cork flooring, a unique reclaimed wood wall covering, low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and much more! 
Photo credit: Hamid Attie Photography

Last month, the Province of BC announced that in just 15 months their LiveSmart BC program met its target of 40,000 homes and has therefore now ended.  For those of you who participated in the program – WAY TO GO!  You now are on your way to saving on your energy bills, saving greenhouse gas emissions and receiving a huge rebate…if you haven’t already!  

For the rest, here’s what you need to know:
- The province has posted frequently asked questions on their website.  
- The federal ecoENERGY program is still offering significant rebates for energy efficiency improvements.  (Their incentive amounts recently increased by 25 per cent).
- The program cancellation does not affect the rebates for anyone who had their initial assessment on or before August 15, 2009.

So if you’d like to improve your home’s energy efficiency, it is not too late. Learn more.

WWF-Canada launched Living Planet City, an inspiring, fun and interactive microsite that illustrates how sustainable, climate-friendly cities can be built without relying on dirty oil or coal. The site also highlights how Canadian municipalities are already leading the way by adopting green technologies to help transform the way we live. Check out the Solar Green Roof feature spotlighting Vancouver’s brand new Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Explore the Living Planet City to see how renewable energy sources can power our homes, workplaces, vehicles and recreation facilities. 

…who is a turkey when it comes to saving energy?  Forward this newsletter, they’ll love One Day! 

New readers, sign-up here.

Power Plant
Sept. 30

Join a dynamic crowd of sustainable business leaders, social entrepreneurs, ecoadventurers and green artists for an after work green networking event. Power Plant promises to be an innovative and sociable event featuring quick presentations from green leaders.  Free with online registration.

Energy efficiency workshops (Chinese)
Oct. 5 and 6
Learn about the federal ecoENERGY rebate program for energy efficiency as well as other incentives. These workshops, delivered in Mandarin and Cantonese, will explain details of the program, how homeowners can access the grants, the types of renovations or upgrades that make a home more energy efficient and the benefits of an energy efficient home. Workshops are free. Register at 604.873.7181.
English versions of the workshop are offered throughout the fall. Check the events calendar for dates.

Power Smart Forum
Oct. 13-15
BC’s leading energy conservation conference fosters key information sharing opportunities and provides solutions to BC organizations who strive to put energy-efficient and conservation practices into action. Check out over 40 sessions, unique social and networking opportunities, inspiring speakers and an expanded tradeshow.

Invent the Future Contest
until Nov. 7

For kids that are full of ideas, the Invent the Future youth contest returns with four $2,500 prizes on the line. If you’re between 13 and 24 with a green idea and a way with words or video, submit your ideas.  Contest details online.

Check out the One Day events calendar for more sustainability related events happening in and around Vancouver.

…how much solar energy can be captured on your roof?  If so, take advantage of a free solar analysis.  SolarBC has teamed up with Green Power Labs to provide FREE online solar assessments for British Columbians available at solarrating.ca.

• Net-zero-energy home rises from the ashes of Burnaby fire
• Plugged in
• Connected newsletter
• EPA to declare CO2 a dangerous pollutant
• Vancouver Olympic venues bask in green glow

Check out the One Day media section for more climate change related news.