Bow Valley Clean Air Society


Energy Conservation



Big things and small things everyone can do to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions



Today, more than ever, people are looking for ways that they can conserve energy. The benefits include reduced environmental impacts and cost savings. With growing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, energy conservation is no longer the option it used to be but has become a necessity.

This very important transition involves reducing the use of fossil fuels and eventually getting off fossil fuels altogether.

Buildings and transportation together contribute to 45% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

Fortunately, we already have the technology to build and renovate buildings that are so well insulated and air sealed that they don’t require a fossil fuel burning furnace even in our mountain environment (natural gas is another name for methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas). With the use of Passive House technologies, the newer heat pumps that are suitable for our cold winter climate, and solar panels to provide electricity, we can become more autonomous and escape the high natural gas prices that are inevitable. There are homeowners in Canmore who have already made this transition.

We also already have the technology to not have to use fossil fuels for personal transportation. The interest in electric vehicles is encouraging.



Big Things Everyone Can Do to Reduce Emissions



Energy Audit



Consider hiring a professional energy auditor to evaluate the inefficiencies and wasted energy in your home. A certified and trained auditor will inspect your home to pinpoint savings opportunities and identify areas that need improvements. Some rebates are only accessible once you have had an energy audit done.



Air Seal and Insulate



Air sealing and adding insulation is the first step toward energy conservation. These actions reduce the need for heating and cooling. Air sealing alone can reduce the amount of heat required by 10%. Seal up cracks around windows and doors and electrical outlets. Install or replace weather stripping around doors and windows. Replace windows and doors with more energy efficient products. Choose triple glazing and panes with e-coatings. Add insulation to the entire building envelope: walls, basements and attics. Insulation will keep the heat in in the winter and keep the heat out in the summer. Go beyond the building code, which is a minimum standard. Insulate your hot water tank.

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Update Mechanical Systems



Install a heat recovery ventilator to reduce the amount of work your furnace has to do. If your house is already well-insulated, consider replacing the furnace with a heat pump. A heat pump typically uses 3-4 times less energy than it produces and the system can be reversed so it functions as an air conditioner in the summer. If you plan to replace an appliance soon, consider getting an Energy Star-certified product. Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, stoves, dishwashers, washer & dryers, air conditioners, and hot water heaters use 10-50% less energy than standard appliances.


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Install Solar Panels



Solar panels are considerably more efficient and cost less than they did even a few years ago. As we wean ourselves off fossil fuels and depend more on electricity, solar panels will contribute to our electrical energy needs. Having your own solar panels will ensure you are using clean energy and not any electrical energy coming through the grid that is still powered by burning coal.

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Small Things Everyone Can Do to Reduce Emissions



Use LED light bulbs. Whenever possible make use of natural daylighting. Turn lights off when not in use. Lighting accounts for 12% of electrical energy use in a typical Canadian home.



Plan trips in your car carefully and choose to walk, cycle, or take public transportation when possible. Charge your EV outside of peak hours. Reduce your driving speed and do not idle your car. Choose a vehicle with good gas mileage (less than
7L/100 km.)



Get a ventless condenser clothes dryer or, better yet, a heat pump clothes dryer. Install a outdoor clothesline for summer use or use an indoor drying rack year round which also helps humidify our dry mountain air.



Unplug electrical devices that aren’t in use. Surprisingly up to 40% of the annual electrical energy consumption, referred to as a phantom load, occurs when electrical devices are turned off.



Install a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.



During warmer months, close blinds, shades and drapes on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home’s temperature cooler and reduce the work for your air conditioner. Open shades during cooler months to let the sun warm your home.



Ensure your home heating and cooling systems, filters, and fans are running clean and efficiently. Regular check-ups will increase the lifespan of your system and lower your electricity bills.



Go to Natural Resources Canada for more tips on making your home more energy efficient.



Purchase green power.



Buy locally and seasonally. The average food item travels over 2000 km.




Vacation locally - air travel is one of the most greenhouse gas intensive forms of travel.



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Email: info@bowcleanair.org

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