| December 21, 2009 SALT SPRING ISLAND – The Province, in partnership with BC Hydro, Terasen Gas, municipal governments and the real-estate community, is undertaking a pilot project, “Time of Sale Energy Labelling”, to support sellers and buyers in improving the efficiency of their homes. “Undertaking energy efficiency upgrades, will in the long term, reduce utility bills for the homeowner,” says Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell. “It provides jobs in the local economy as well as increasing the value of our homes.” Through this program, sellers can get a home energy efficiency assessment for $75 off the regular cost of $150. The assessment details the options for improving the efficiency of the home and the incentives available to do so. Incentives are available through the federal government’s ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program and the Home Renovation Tax Credit, both accessible to sellers and buyers. The Time of Sale Labelling pilot projects allows potential homebuyers to easily compare the energy efficiencies of various homes based on the homes’ EnerGuide for Houses Rating, which will be posted on the MLS listings of participating homes. The rating is calculated through the home energy efficiency assessment and takes into account windows, doors, insulation, heating and air leakage and calculates how the home uses energy as a system. “This pilot is going to help sellers communicate the energy efficiency potential of their homes and help buyers find the right home for them,” says Tony Joe, past president of the Victoria Real Estate Board. “Energy efficiency is important to buyers in this market. Findings from a recent survey conducted by the BC Real Estate Association suggest the majority of British Columbians would be willing to pay more for an energy efficient home.” The Province remains committed to supporting energy efficiency and conservation in British Columbia, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent and acquiring 50 per cent of BC Hydro’s incremental resource needs through conservation by 2020. For more information about Murray Coell and the Saanich North and the Islands constituency visit his website. -30- | |
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