2023 14-5 November Climate Action Issue Number

Making our homes more energy efficient: A loan program could help

By Kate Laing

A 2021 study showed that Canadians produce more carbon emissions per capita than any other country in the world. Our cold climate is responsible for much of this, of course, as we need fuel to keep ourselves warm during the long winter months.

Ensuring that our homes are as energy efficient as possible is a vital tool in our climate rescue toolbox, and the City of Ottawa has a program that could help. The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program, delivered in partnership with EnviroCentre, provides loans from the City directly to homeowners to undertake energy efficiency and climate resiliency home improvements. 

Funded improvements include:

  • solar panels
  • walls with insulation
  • heat pumps
  • LED lights
  • high-efficiency windows and doors
  • rainwater tanks
  • sealants for cracks around windows

Learn more about the program at: betterhomesottawa.ca

Let’s do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprints.