Government investment in energy efficiency and low carbon technologies has been surpassed by investments in wind, solar, other renewables and biofuels, with only 6% of investment being directed towards this sector between 2005 and 2010.
A CAD 1.5 billion trust fund is available for clean air and climate change initiatives including energy efficient projects that will deliver concrete greenhouse gas emission reductions. A further CAD 250 million is available from the Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF) and the Green Municipal Investment Fund (GMIF) for infrastructure projects and environmental practices for municipal governments (and also their public and private-sector partners). The GMEF provides grants for cost-shared feasibility studies to improve the quality of air, water and soil through greater energy efficiency and renewable energy and water projects. The GMIF provides low interest loans (1.5% below the Bank of Canada bond rate) to implement innovative environmental projects.
The Program of Energy Research and Development (PERD) is a federal interdepartmental programme managed by Natural Resources Canada to support energy R&D for early stage projects, including energy efficiency projects.
Products
Since 1995 mandatory energy labelling has been used for dryers, freezers, coolers and cooking appliances. In 1998, voluntary labelling was introduced for gas furnaces and boilers and heat pumps. Labelling for compact fluorescent lighting is planned.
The ecoENERGY for Equipment programme is focusing on accelerating the introduction of energy efficient products that meet minimum energy efficiency performance standards, which includes support for energy efficient product labelling, for example ENERGY STAR (more details in the US section).
An EnerGuide has been released to increase consumer awareness of minimum energy efficiency standards for household appliances and air conditioners. This labelling scheme for energy efficiency and energy consumption is mandatory for a range of new products.
