Low carbon buildings

Natural gas for space and water heating produces a third of Whistler’s greenhouse gas emissions. Together, let’s work to make our buildings more energy efficient and switch to more sustainable energy sources.

What we are doing

Recent initiatives include:

Energy Step Code. Through its early adoption of the Energy Step Code, RMOW is a leader in requiring high levels of energy performance in new residential buildings. Permits are now being issued to this higher energy performance, with 50 per cent of residential buildings requiring Level 3 and the other 50 per cent requiring Level 4. Learn more.
 
Energy efficient home rebates. The RMOW, in coordination with the provincial government, offers homeowners and businesses a variety of rebates and incentives to reduce energy use. Learn more.

Engaging local businesses. The RMOW has commenced outreach and engagement with local businesses, including operators of large commercial buildings, to identify and advance creative climate and clean energy developments. 

WHA energy efficient developments. Significant progress has been made with several Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) developments, including 1020 Legacy Way, which is a Passive House development, and 1330 Cloudburst Drive, which is Energy Step Code 3. These projects offer much needed staff housing while also supporting Whistler’s commitment to compact and transit-connected developments. They are energy efficient and connected to the low carbon District Energy System.

Your turn

Install a heat pump. Heat pumps use electricity to pull heat from outside air and transfer it into your home – even in the winter.  Air-source electric heat pumps can be 300 to 400 per cent more efficient than fossil fuel sources like oil, natural gas or propane. Now is a great time to switch. The RMOW, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, is offering incentives of up to $6,000 to switch from a fossil fuel heating system to a heat pump. Learn more.

Get a home energy evaluation. The RMOW is offering rebates to Whistler homeowners for a home energy evaluation. This program will help you learn how to reduce your home’s energy use as well as your monthly energy bills. Learn more.

Choose renewable gas. RNG comes from gas released by decomposing organic waste. It is a renewable and low carbon alternative to traditional natural gas. And it’s affordable too. You can select from increments of 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 per cent RNG in your natural gas mix. The extra amount you pay is the same as buying another cup of coffee every month. Learn more about RNG and reserving your own supply.

Contact

climatechange@whistler.ca