About the Project
GLOBE Advisors carried out 12 months of research and strategic planning in 2013 on behalf of BC Hydro, FortisBC, and the Province of BC (Ministry of Energy and Mines) to develop a 5-year strategy to catalyze a more sustainable home energy performance industry in BC.
For many years, governments of all levels across Canada have been calling for the adoption of energy-efficiency measures in homes and a number of companies offering home energy performance related products and services have entered the market to help British Columbians improve the energy efficiency and performance of their homes.
Documents
Project Backgrounder
BC Home Energy Performance Study: 5-Year Industry Strategic Plan
BC Home Energy Performance Study: Supporting Research Document
BC Home Energy Performance Study: Supporting Appendices
Project Objectives
The objectives of this project were to conduct research and consultation with industry stakeholders in order to:
- Document the opportunities and challenges for further developing the home energy performance industry and workforce in BC;
- Develop a definition for the home energy performance industry in BC that supports the interests of all stakeholders and generates buy-in for greater action;
- Undertake a supply-side economic analysis of home energy performance / weatherization services in BC;
- Work with program sponsors and key stakeholders to develop a vision and long-term strategic objectives / goals for the home energy performance industry development in BC;
- Identify approaches and tactics that BC utilities and the provincial government could take to influence and move toward a more self-sustaining industry over time.
The intended outcomes of this project will support:
- The development of a world class home energy performance industry and workforce in BC that is positioned to deliver best-in-class services that maximize energy saved per dollar invested.
- Informed consumers who see value in investing in comprehensive home energy retrofits and using appropriately trained and certified contractors.
- The business case for home energy retrofit / weatherization services that will, in turn, encourage contractors who actively invest in training, certification, and quality assurance.
Research activities for this project included:
- Extensive market research in order to define the industry, identify best practices in other jurisdictions, and important programs and organizations in BC;
- An industry survey targeting renovators, specialist contractors and sub-contractors, and licensed service organizations;
- In-depth interviews with more than 50 key industry stakeholders; and
- Two interactive webinars designed to consult with industry on opportunities and challenges for developing BC’s home energy performance industry.
VIEW RESULTS FROM THE INTERACTIVE WEBINAR:
“Growing BC’s Home Energy Performance Industry“
What is “Home Energy Performance”?
Home Energy Performance is a comprehensive, whole-house approach to identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency and comfort in low-rise residential buildings. Home Energy Performance applies building science and “house as a system” principles to address:
- Efficient energy use;
- Durability;
- Health and safety;
- Indoor air quality;
- Thermal comfort; and
- Moisture issues.
Home Energy Performance improvements generally include upgrades to a home’s outer skin or “building envelope” (insulation, air sealing, windows, doors, etc.) in concert with the utilization of energy efficient technologies and mechanical systems (ventilation and heating/cooling systems, hot water, etc.) in order to reduce overall energy consumption.
Documents available on request
- BC Home Energy Performance Study: 5-Year Industry Strategic Plan
- BC Home Energy Performance Study: Supporting Research Document
- BC Home Energy Performance Study: Supporting Appendices