HETC represents more than 200 organizations, including the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, the Clean Economy Alliance, and NAIMA Canada.
Ottawa, Ont. – The Home Energy Transparency Coalition (HETC) applauds the Government of Ontario’s commitment to helping homeowners and businesses fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the introduction of the Green Ontario Fund (GreenON).
The announcement, delivered this week in Toronto by Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Chris Ballard, is a critical step towards achieving the province’s GHG reduction targets and will have a significant impact on emissions in the building sector, which constitutes nearly a quarter of all emissions in Ontario.
“This is good news from the province and an effective way to reduce carbon pollution and engage Ontarians in the fight against climate change,” says Keith Brooks, Programs Director at Environmental Defence. “Any credible strategy to fight climate change needs to reduce emissions from buildings. GreenON, and the programs it will deliver, will also promote the growth of a clean economy in Ontario both by supporting homegrown cleantech companies and the thousands of people working in the building trades who will be needed to do energy efficiency retrofits. These are the kinds of initiatives the Clean Economy Alliance – a coalition of more than 100 Ontario-based organizations – united to champion.”
To reduce these emissions in a significant way requires programs, renovations, and retrofits that are accessible to homeowners, small businesses, and larger commercial operations. “Encouraging eligible participants to register for a free smart thermostat or home energy assessment is a great first step to engage and educate consumers in the fight against climate change,” says Joe Vaccaro, CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.
“Knowing the energy efficiency status of your home is foundational to lowering emissions,” said Jay Nordenstrom, Executive Director of NAIMA Canada. “HETC looks forward to seeing the implementation of a Home Energy Rating & Disclosure (HER&D) program in Ontario to complement this initiative, and any future programs intended to reduce energy costs through GreenON.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, the $377 million Green Ontario Fund will contribute to the creation of 30,000 potential jobs in building efficiency alone as part of the province’s Climate Change Action Plan. Insulation manufacturers, energy auditors, contractors and others will experience growth in their industry and growth for Ontario’s economy.
To learn more about HETC please visit https://www.homeenergytransparency.org/
For more information please contact:
Jay Nordenstrom
Executive Director of NAIMA Canada
613-232-8093
jnordenstrom@naimacanada.ca
NAIMA Canada
NAIMA Canada is an association for manufacturers of fibreglass, rock wool and slag wool insulation (mineral fibre insulation) conducting business in Canada. We were established to promote energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of insulation, to encourage safe production and installation of insulation materials, and to support improved comfort for the occupants throughout the home or building’s lifetime.
Clean Economy Alliance
The Clean Economy Alliance (CEA) is a group of over 100 organizations representing a broad cross-section of Ontarians that united in 2015 to urge Ontario to show leadership in addressing the crucial issue of climate change. The CEA includes prominent Ontario businesses, industry associations, labour unions, farmers’ groups, health advocates, and environmental organizations. The Alliance supports the Ontario government’s commitments to develop and implement a climate change strategy and cap-and-trade program. Its members recognize that reducing greenhouse gas emissions will bring many benefits, including cleaner air, improved public health, and more jobs and business opportunities in the clean economy. For a full list of Clean Economy Alliance members, please visit www.cleaneconomyalliance.ca.
Ontario Home Builders’ Association
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association was formed in 1962 with 10 locals to give residential builders a voice in the provincial government, facilitate changes in the industry and provide networking opportunities for home-building businesses, suppliers and services. Our association represents individuals and companies in several fields across the industry, including: builders, developers, professional renovators, trade contractors, manufacturers, consultants, marketing companies and suppliers.
Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance
The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) is the country’s leading independent advocate promoting the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency. The not-for-profit works with the federal and provincial governments, and stakeholders, to ensure energy efficiency is a priority for all sectors of the economy. By monitoring, examining and developing energy efficient public policy ideas, programs and standards, CEEA is an effective resource for policy makers, businesses, consumers, energy companies and environmental groups.
