Nova Scotia Recognized as a National Leader in Energy Efficiency

Press Release

November 19, 2019

Nova Scotia continues to be a North American leader in fighting climate change by reducing emissions and now our province is being recognized as a national leader for energy efficiency efforts.

The Efficiency Canada study released today, Nov. 19, ranked Nova Scotia best in Canada for energy efficiency programs and for having the most highly trained energy efficiency workforce.

“We understand that becoming more energy efficient reduces emissions and creates opportunities for businesses in our green economy to grow and create jobs throughout the province,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette. “This report shows that our investments in becoming more energy efficient and the choices Nova Scotians have made are a big reason for our success in fighting climate change.”

Nova Scotia received the highest score in Atlantic Canada for overall energy efficiency and fourth nationally, closely trailing British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Nova Scotia has also set the most ambitious climate change goals in Canada.

The report also recognizes that Nova Scotia has made considerable investments in programs that target energy poverty.

Quotes:

“We produced this scorecard to provide a transparent, evidence-based assessment of provincial energy efficiency policies. Nova Scotia narrowly trails second-place Quebec and third-place Ontario and there are opportunities to do even more such as implementing stronger building codes, labeling building energy use performance and electrifying transportation.” Brendan Haley, policy director, Efficiency Canada

“We are pleased to see that Nova Scotia is leading the charge for energy efficiency programs in Canada. From free efficient products and rebates to energy audits and our solar program, to date our programming has helped over 400,000 Nova Scotian residents and businesses reduce their energy use and continuing to make Nova Scotia a national leader in fighting climate change.” Stephen MacDonald, CEO, EfficiencyOne

Quick Facts:

• over the next three to four years, Nova Scotia will invest nearly $120 million in programs that reduce emissions and fight climate change
• Nova Scotia is investing $25 million in energy efficiency upgrades that will improve 2,400 Mi’kmaq homes and 11,500 public housing units
• 16,000 low-income Nova Scotians received free energy efficiency upgrades since 2007
• more than 200 businesses and 1,400 people now work in Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency industry
• energy efficiency efforts in Nova Scotia have reduced carbon emissions by more than one million tonnes every year