One Tonne Challenge

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(Note: The information below was provided to me to use on my website and has been authorized by Amerispec home inspection services of Mississauga)

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One Tonne Challenge

I have heard a lot about the "One Tonne Challenge" on T.V. and in the news. What is the One Tonne Challenge and how can I participate?
The One Tonne Challenge is a program initiated by the federal government to encourage Canadians to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduce the effect that Canadians have on climate change. Climate change is a long-term shift in the climate for a specific region, or in global terms, for the entire planet. The shift is measured by changes in average weather conditions such as temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation. The major GHGs are methane, carbon dioxide, ozone, halocarbons, and nitrous oxide. These gases form the atmosphere above the earth’s surface and hold the sun’s heat in, much like glass on a greenhouse. As we heat our homes, drive our cars, use electricity, and manufacture products, we burn fossil fuels and add to the amount of GHGs in our atmosphere, and contribute to climate change.

As more GHGs are produced, the earth becomes more insulated, which increases the average global temperature and affects weather patterns. Realizing this in 1997, over 160 countries (including Canada) met in Kyoto, Japan to discuss the issue of climate change and reducing global GHG emissions. The Federal Government has made a commitment through the Kyoto Accord to reduce this country’s emissions to a level that is 6% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. In order to reach this target, the government has asked all Canadians to be aware of the GHGs they produce and reduce that number as much as possible. The One Tonne Challenge is one way that the government is raising awareness. Reducing GHG emissions will not only result in a healthier global environment, but also healthier regional air quality and fewer ‘smog days’. According to the federal government, an average Canadian produces approximately 5 tonnes of GHGs per year, so reducing emissions by 1 tonne means reducing total energy use by 20 %. This is not an unreasonable target when examined closely. There are many easy ways to reduce GHG emissions around the home and with smart vehicle use. Vehicle use accounts for approximately 50 % of the average Canadian’s GHG emissions and lifestyle changes in this area should also be considered. However, this article will mainly focus on changes that can be made in the home.

There are many ways of reducing energy use around the house. Typically, space heating is where most energy is used in the home and where most energy can be saved. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

Replacing an old, inefficient furnace with a high efficiency one. This can reduce up to 25% of emissions associated with heating the home and reduce heating bills.
Installing a programmable thermostat and lower the temperature at night and during the day when the house is empty.
Installing ceiling fans on vaulted and cathedral ceilings to push down heat that sometimes collects near high ceilings.
Upgrading old, single pane windows with high performance energy efficient windows or installing storm windows since significant heat loss occurs from windows.
Using weather stripping and caulking to seal openings around windows, doors, etc. and upgrade insulation levels where accessible.
Opening window curtains or blinds during the day during the heating season to allow the sun’s energy to warm to house. The blinds or curtains should be closed during the cooling season to prevent the sun from heating the home, keeping it cooler.
An EnerGuide for Houses evaluation will help identify the areas that are resulting in significant heat loss from the home and prioritize upgrades or repairs for optimal energy savings. As well, the grant/incentive program in conjunction with the EnerGuide evaluation financially helps homeowners who improve their home’s energy efficiency. See Ask The Inspector and EnerGuide for additional information regarding the EnerGuide for Houses and other incentive programs.

The other big energy users in a home are washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, fridges, and freezers. The following are some ways of cutting back on energy use in the home on a daily basis.

When buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star logo. This logo indicates the appliance is energy efficient. Also compare EnerGuide ratings that are found on all new larger home appliances which indicate the amount of energy that the appliance uses.
Consider replacing a fridge or freezer that is more than 10 years old; newer ones are much more efficient.
Unplug unnecessary fridges or freezers.
Only run the dishwasher when it is full and use the air dry instead of heat dry option.
Use cold or at most warm water for washing clothes and make sure to choose the water level according to the amount of clothes being washed.
Use a clothes line for drying clothes when weather permits.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Use the energy-saver function on a computer and/or printer so that when it is not in use, it uses less electricity.
Reduce the amount of garbage that is produced by purchasing items with less packaging, composting kitchen food waste, and recycling items that can be recycled.
Use less hot water by showering rather than bathing, installing a low-flow shower head, and avoiding running water when brushing teeth or washing dishes. As well, increase the efficiency of a water heater by insulating the pipes within 3m of the water heater, and insulating electric water heaters. When it is time to replace the unit, consider installing a high efficiency water heater that will significantly reduce energy use.
There are so many ways to reduce energy use that will have little or no effect on comfort, but a significant effect on the environment. As well, reducing energy use will improve our air quality and environment and reduce energy bills. What better incentive is there? To participate in the One Tonne Challenge, go to Climate Change and sign up today!

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