Building More Energy-efficient Homes

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to build more energy-efficient houses.

Plans have begun to make energy efficiency and water conservation standards part of the provincial building code before the end of this year. As a result, new energy efficiency levels will be required for several programs.

"Building an energy-efficient home is a good choice for any homeowner," said Barry Barnet, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "Homes that use less energy save homeowners money and protect the environment."

The energy rating of a house is based on an EnerGuide scale of 1 to 100. The higher the rating, the more efficient the home. The proposed changes to the building code will require that new houses meet minimum insulation and efficiency standards, or achieve a minimum EnerGuide 80 rating.

For homeowners to qualify for rebates, their homes must reach higher EnerGuide ratings.

Starting April 1, the EnerGuide for New Houses rating will increase from 77 to 80 for the $250 rebate. To receive an additional $500 rebate, a home has to have an EnerGuide rating of at least 83, up from 80. This makes up to $750 available for building a more energy-efficient home.

The EnerGuide rating for the R-2000 program will also increase from an 80 to an 83. R-2000 homes enrolled after April 1, that achieve an EnerGuide rating of 83, will receive a $1,000 rebate.

"People are looking for new homes that are more energy efficient," said Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Home Builders Association. "By building more energy-efficient homes today, we're working toward a cleaner, greener tomorrow."

Under the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Nova Scotia has a goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 2020 to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels.

Call Conserve Nova Scotia at 1-800-670-4636 or visit www.conservens.ca to find out how you can have building plans evaluated, or to register a R-2000 home.