Canucks are going green while governments fall behind
Posted Dec 29, 2011 7:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Canadians are taking steps toward becoming more energy efficient while their governments are lagging behind.
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association Executive Director Stephen Koch says public policy has to be reformed.
He believes a first step is revamping building codes.
“Alberta’s building code hasn’t been changed in 30 years,” says Koch.
He says 50 per cent of builders are constructing homes to a much higher standard than the current code requires and says Alberta should look towards adopting measures from the national regulations.
The building expert applauds Premier Redford’s recent directive declaring Alberta a leader in energy production, but says the politicians still need to know how to properly use it.
“There’s other provinces, like Ontario, that’s gone into a feed and tariff,” he explains. “(That’s) a public policy position to try and bring on more renewable power, I think those types of things need to start the discussion.”
He says if homeowners were to go up to an Energuide 80 home, they would see a savings on their first bill after an investment of $3,000 to $6,000.
“As we move forward, we have to be able to listen to the people that are trying to create jobs and I believe the efficiency part is a great way to do that,” he says. “There are so many things we can do right way, if we can get these guys working and get it started we will all see the benefits quickly.”
Koch says the United States is starting to realize this is a way we can stimulate economic activity and anticipates Canadians will see similar programs for small entrepreneurs in the coming years as their governments start to come on board.
