2. Program Enablement
In addition to summarizing the findings of the Windsor Residential Deep Energy Efficiency Retrofit (R-DEER) Business Case, this section summarizes 1) existing enabling legislation, policies and programs and 2) the additional enabling steps required to support the development of a program to deliver high quality, standardized residential energy efficiency retrofit packages to most Windsor homes.
The opportunity for a municipal government to enable the uptake of home energy retrofits has never been better. Despite the cost advantages of energy efficiency, there are substantial barriers to achieving the technical potential for the residential sector, a challenge well-recognized by Ontario’s utilities.
2.1 Climate Change and the Paris AgreementAs a signatory to the Paris Climate Agreement, Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The built environment is the third largest emitting sector in Canada and most existing buildings will still be in operation in 30 years from now. Consequently, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate has identified energy retrofits of existing buildings as a priority. The 2019 Federal budget included funding for municipal-led energy retrofit programs to be administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
2.2 Provincial Policy and LIC Legislation
Climate and energy policies continue to be “mainstreamed” into provincial legislation, policies and programs. Provincial Local Improvement Charges (LIC) regulations have been amended to enable voluntary energy and water efficiency upgrades of private homes and buildings, allowing Ontario municipalities to provide long-term, low-cost financing for residential, commercial and industrial building energy and water conservation retrofits.
Property-assessed financing has the distinct advantage of tying the efficiency investment to the property, mitigating the risk of the homeowner that their payback period is longer than the time they remain (or intend to remain) in the home. Attractive interest rates and borrowing terms can be achieved for homeowners while reducing or eliminating their up-front capital costs.
2.3 Elements of the Windsor Deep Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program
“…implementing climate action and making a transition to a low-carbon economy also represents a significant opportunity to stimulate economic growth, increase job opportunities and develop new technologies” Excerpt from Climate Change Emergency Declaration – Passed by Windsor City Council, November 18, 2019
2.3.1 Windsor Community Energy Plan (CEP)
In 2017, the City of Windsor approved a CEP with a community-wide goal to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions by 40% per capita from 2014 levels. Increasing residential energy efficiency was a prioritized strategy identified to achieve this goal.