How can we make homes and buildings climate ready?

Here are some ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or increase energy efficiency:

• adopt energy-saving behaviours (e.g. turn off lights, turn down the thermostat)
• replace lightbulbs with LED lighting
• install low-flow plumbing fixtures
• install a smart thermostat
• choose ENERGY STAR rated appliance(s)
• upgrade your heating system to a high-efficiency boiler or furnace
• upgrade your heating system to an electric heat pump or baseboards
• upgrade your hot water system to a high-efficiency electric hot water heater
• put additional insulation into walls, roof, or basement
• replace windows with double- or triple-paned glass

Not sure what changes or upgrades might make a difference in your home or workspace? Consider hiring a registered energy advisor to conduct an energy audit. Visit betterhomes.bc.ca for information on available home heating and home upgrade rebates.

A climate ready home or building is better able to withstand the effects of climate change, such as extreme rainfall events, extreme heat, drought, wildfire, poor air quality, and sea level rise. Here are some ways to manage risks related to climate change:

• install a heat pump system that heats your home or workspace in the winter and cools it down in the summer
• use central or portable air purifier systems to reduce indoor air pollution
• use drought-tolerant plant species in your landscaping
• use water conservation measures such as harvesting rain or reusing greywater (i.e. household water that’s already been used, sourced from baths, showers, bathroom basins, and laundries – this does not include water from a toilet, kitchen sink, or dishwasher) for low-risk purposes such as watering lawns or ornamental gardens
• use fire-resistant building materials
• follow the FireSmart homeowner’s guide to protect your home and community from wildfire
• ensure you have permeable areas on your property (e.g. use permeable paving that allows water to pass through, make sure landscaped areas slope away from home)
• add physical flood barriers where necessary (e.g. retaining walls or rip rap)
• install sump pump or backflow valves