National Labelling Approach in Canada

What is the Program?

The National Labelling Approach is a comprehensive initiative introduced in Budget 2024 with a $30 million investment. This program is designed to provide standardized and consistent energy performance information for homes across Canada. By building on the existing EnerGuide Rating System, it aims to help homeowners and potential buyers understand the energy efficiency of their properties and make informed decisions about energy use and improvements.

How Does it Work?

The National Labelling Approach functions through several key components:

• EnerGuide Rating System: The program leverages the well-established EnerGuide Rating System, which evaluates and rates the energy performance of homes. This system provides a numerical rating that reflects the home's energy efficiency.
• Standardized Labels: The program introduces standardized energy labels that offer clear and comparable information on a home’s energy performance. These labels are designed to be easy to understand, helping consumers compare the energy efficiency of different homes.
• Information Access: Homeowners can access these labels and related information through various government platforms and partnerships. This includes online resources, collaborations with provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
• Energy Assessments: Homeowners can request an energy assessment from certified energy advisors to receive an EnerGuide rating and label for their home. This assessment involves a thorough evaluation of the home’s energy use, including heating, cooling, insulation, and other factors affecting energy efficiency.

How Can People Access the Program?

Accessing the National Labelling Approach involves a few simple steps:

1. Request an Energy Assessment: Homeowners can request an energy assessment from certified energy advisors. This can be done through the government’s website or through approved service providers.
2. Receive an EnerGuide Rating: After the assessment, homeowners will receive an EnerGuide rating that reflects their home’s energy efficiency.
3. Get the Energy Label: The rating will be translated into a standardized energy label, which provides clear and comparable information on the home’s energy performance.
4. Access Information and Resources: Homeowners can access additional information and resources through government partnerships and platforms to understand their energy label and explore options for improving their home’s energy efficiency.

What is the Government Aiming to Achieve?

The primary objectives of the National Labelling Approach are:

• Empower Homeowners and Buyers: Provide transparent and reliable energy performance information to help consumers make informed decisions about their homes.
• Encourage Energy Efficiency: Promote energy-efficient upgrades by highlighting areas where homes can improve their energy performance.
• Reduce Energy Bills: Help homeowners save money on their energy bills by making energy-efficient choices.
• Support Climate Goals: Contribute to Canada’s climate change goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy efficiency in the housing sector.

How is Success Measured?

The success of the National Labelling Approach is measured through several key indicators:

• Label Adoption Rate: The number of homes receiving EnerGuide ratings and standardized energy labels.
• Energy Savings: The overall reduction in energy consumption by homeowners who use the energy labels to make energy-efficient upgrades.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The decrease in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from improved home energy efficiency.
• Consumer Awareness and Satisfaction: The level of awareness and satisfaction among homeowners and buyers regarding the energy labels and the information provided.

By focusing on these metrics, the National Labelling Approach aims to deliver significant benefits to Canadian homeowners, contribute to national energy efficiency goals, and support the broader fight against climate change.

On July 16, 2024, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled Canada’s first Green Buildings Strategy.

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