Residents - At Home

In Vancouver 50% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and home energy-use. We are used to recycling, composting, saving water and growing natural gardens. However, one of the most effective ways to live more sustainably is to make your home energy efficient. Using less energy in your home not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps to protect the climate, but it will also save you money.

To find out how, start by going to One Day at Home. One Day will help you to access tools, information, services and savings on energy efficient home improvements and renovations. Find out more by clicking the sections below.

Simple opportunities for everyone

• Turn the heat down at night and when out of the house
• Test for drafts
• Install low flow shower heads
• Wash your clothes in cold water
• Switch to energy-efficient lighting
• Use appliances efficiently
  

Opportunities for home owners

• Grants and incentives
• Home energy evaluation services
• Planning your job and finding a contractor  
• Programs for condos and apartments

The One Day site will guide you to currrent incentive programs. For example, the federal ecoENERGY Retrofit Initiative and the province's LivesmartBC Program offer homeowners for grants for home energy improvements. Note: Both programs require you to first perform a third-party home energy evaluation through registered evaluators. Incentives are significant, they can reach over $12,000.

The biggest energy-saving opportunities when retrofitting include: