Burlington backs green home retrofit program

Burlington is moving ahead with a deep energy retrofit program that aims to help homeowners improve household energy efficiency.

Burlington is moving ahead with a deep energy retrofit program that aims to help homeowners improve household energy efficiency.

Working with the Centre for Climate Change Management at Mohawk College, the retrofit program involves a systems approach to reducing carbon emissions from existing buildings, with a focus on actions that will reduce and/or eliminate the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy. It is hoped the program will help Burlington meet its Climate Action Plan objective to become a net-carbon neutral community by 2050.

Measures that can be implemented include:

• Adding insulation
• Sealing air leaks
• Upgrading mechanical systems
• Replacing windows and/or doors
• Water efficiency upgrades
• Thermal controls
• Renewable energy

Depending on the work required, a deep energy retrofit can cost up to $30,000. Retrofits can be more cost-effective if timed with home renovations. 

The City will apply to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Community Efficiency Financing initiative for a grant to support this work and will work with Mohawk College to finalize the agreement to oversee this partnership. Further details on community engagement opportunities will be available as the project progresses.

 “There is still a lot of work to be done with the program including applying for grant money and developing the framework but this partnership with Mohawk College will help expedite this and will do a lot to helping us achieve our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050,” said Allan Magi, Executive Director of Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services.