Energy Management

2009 Energy Strategy

The province's 2009 Energy Strategy will demand more renewable energy and greater energy efficiency.

The 2009 Energy Strategy is closely linked to Nova Scotia's Climate Change Action Plan. For an overview of both documents, please see this news release.

Residential buildings

By December 31, 2009, the Nova Scotia Building Code will require all new residential dwellings, and all commercial buildings under 600 square meters, to meet prescriptive or performance requirements that are equivalent to an EnerGuide for New Homes rating of 80.

Commercial buildings

Effective in 2011, the province will amend Nova Scotia Building Code Act to require all new commercial buildings of more than 600 square meters to exceed the 1997 Model National Energy Code for Buildings by at least 25 per cent, or to adopt the updated version of the 1997 Model National Energy Code for Buildings expected in 2011. This is only a start. The province will work with its partners to strengthen standards on a continuing basis as innovative and cost-effective technologies come to the market.

Also, by December 31, 2009, the Nova Scotia Building Code will require low-flush toilets and permit the use of water-free technologies and the re-use of grey water.

ecoNova Scotia Reduces GHGs by Tonnes in First Year

The provincial ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund is helping municipalities, businesses, and community groups reduce harmful air emissions. In 2008, the fund invested $15.5 million in 43 environmental projects that increase energy efficiencies, develop renewable energy technologies or reduce energy use. It’s estimated they’ll reduce greenhouse-gas emission by 161,000 tonnes per year. And that’s just the beginning. Find out more in the annual report: http://www.gov.ns.ca/ecoNovaScotia/ .

Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

Since 2006, corporations that invest in renewable energy sources or make other energy efficiency investments have been able to claim an Energy Efficiency Tax Credit. Find out how government is helping to promote energy conservation while enhancing the competitive performance of Nova Scotia companies here.

ReThink: Greener Choices at Work

Print double-sided (if at all). Turn out the lights. Power down your computer. Bring your own mug. Every day the ReThink program asks provincial government employees and department to think twice about their habits and make a more environmentally friendly choice. Through ReThink, government is setting the example of just how easy it is to make lots of little behaviour changes that really can add up to a big difference.