WATERLOO — Local area residents will be able to learn about rebates and resources to make their homes more energy efficient at a special community event on Earth Day, April 22.
The Earth Day Energy Showcase, hosted by the University of Waterloo and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP), will highlight energy-savings information and services available in Waterloo Region. It presents exhibits and displays by contractors, vendors, funding partners and eco-services at the City of Kitchener’s Rotunda Gallery, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. At noon, a formal program features Deep Saini, UW’s dean of environment, and an expert panel at a question-and-answer session.
“Waterloo Region has one of the highest rates, across Canada, of homeowners taking action to save energy,” said Don Eaton, REEP founder and former director of the Elora Centre for Environmental Excellence. An energy consultant and trainer of certified energy advisers, Don will outline the principles behind creating a home-energy action plan.
The partnership between UW and the community is a local success story.
“Waterloo Region demonstrates action through community-based partnerships,” said Paul Parker, a UW professor of geography and environmental management and one of the REEP founders. “The economy is being stimulated by homeowner spending. Homeowners save money on their energy bills. The environment benefits from reduced carbon emissions.”
When REEP started as a project nearly 10 years ago, only 1,200 home energy evaluations had been completed across Canada. Today, more than 10,000 have been carried out in Waterloo Region, alone.
At next week’s event, energy professionals will explain how local residents can apply for local, provincial and federal programs and incentives. These include the new tax credit for home renovations, ecoEnergy grants, Ontario Power Authority incentives accessed through local utilities, Region of Waterloo toilet rebates and the Well Aware program for rural residents.
As well, an announcement will be made about renewed funding for Greening Sacred Spaces, an organization which provides support for environmental initiatives in faith communities.
REEP staff will also be available to outline the innovative project’s programs and workshops. For more information, visit www.reepwaterlooregion.ca/
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