Energy

What We Are Doing

The City of Kelowna is doing retrofits on our city buildings including installing more efficient boilers, more efficient lighting and night-time light setback settings. As a BC Solar Community, Kelowna has several solar initiatives including installing 100 solar powered lights in community parks, paths and public spaces. The City of Kelowna is also exploring the use of renewable district energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Through installation of energy efficiency technologies the City of Kelowna's H2O Adventure and Fitness Center saves 60% of the energy required by a conventional pool.

What You Can Do (and how you can save money)

Residents can significantly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing home energy use. The BC government has extended the popular LiveSmart BC home energy rebate program until March 31, 2013. This program grants BC homeowners rebates on a variety of home energy efficiency improvements including insulation, space heating, windows and water heating. Also, additional financial incentives are offered through the FortisBC.

Here are some ways you can save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Weatherize your home - use weatherstripping to seal around door openings and windows.

Upgrade insulation - proper insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Replace your furnace - install a high efficiency furnace which are 92% efficient, regardless of the age of your home.

Replace old appliances - purchase energy star appliances.

Unplug your second fridge - often second refrigerators are older

models that waste energy and are usually under-used.

Replace water heaters - install high efficiency or solar water heaters.

Reduce water - install low flow shower heads and faucets.

Turn down the heat - install a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to 20 degrees Celcius during the day and 17 degrees Celcius at night to save up to 15% on the heating portion of your energy bill.

Increase temperature for air conditioner - install a programmable thermostat and turn up the air conditioner in the summer months.

Close your blinds - to keep your home cooler without using energy.

Install CFL's - CFL's use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and last up to ten times longer.

Wash clothes in cold water - washing in cold water extends the life of your clothes and save energy at the same time.

Dry your clothes naturally - your dryer uses more energy per year than any other appliance in your home! Use a clothesline to reduce the energy required to dry your clothes.

Statistics from FortisBC. Also visit Solar BC.

Buildings - the energy we use

What We Are Doing

What You Can Do (and how you can save money)

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