Kamloops successfully engages residents in energy conservation through the 'See the Heat' initiative

Success Story Snapshot |
Energy Savings / GHG Reductions: In Kamloops, single and semi-detached buildings like the ones targeted through the program, emit about 112,000 tCO2e per year (City of Kamloops, 2019). After retrofits are made to the homes targeted by this program, there is potential for a 19.5% energy savings per residence. |
Business Case: In Kamloops, energy used in single and semi-detached residential buildings makes up 20% of community-wide emissions, and therefore are a prime target for emission reduction efforts (City of Kamloops, 2019). Reducing GHG emissions is essential for minimizing the long-term costs associated with adapting to and recovering from increasingly likely and severe forest fires, flash floods and other events associated with a warming planet. The See the Heat program also promotes CleanBC incentives for home energy retrofits aimed at reducing the cost of energy for households, which can increase disposable income and, in turn, provide a boost to the local economy. |
Co-benefits: See the Heat supports increased public awareness of the economic benefits of energy retrofits and, by extension, supports the City of Kamloops’ public education on climate action. |
Total project cost: As of November 2019, the program cost was $10,394.84. It is below the estimated budget of $12,906.18, as the program’s demand exceeded expectations and fewer funds for marketing were required (City of Kamloops, 2019). |
Project Summary
The City of Kamloops’ ‘See the Heat’ program received overwhelming public interest, with 339 people having participated as of February 2020
Energy Savings/GHG reductions
Residential buildings in Kamloops make up 20% of community-wide emissions. This makes the reduction of fossil fuel use in homes an important component of community emission reduction efforts. In Kamloops, single and semi-detached buildings, like the ones targeted by the program, emit about 112,000 tCO2e per year collectively (City of Kamloops, 2019). The thermal imaging cameras used by the See the Heat program help participants to understand where air is leaking out of their homes, and provide citizens with tools to improve their home’s airtightness, which can lead to energy savings of as much as 19.5% (City of Kamloops, 2019).
Business Case
Co-Benefits
The See the Heat Program provides individuals and households with a tangible economic example of how to reduce GHG emissions at little or no cost. The program also increases participants’ ability to make changes through home energy retrofits. Climate change mitigation at the community level is greatly dependent on individuals taking action and this program supports that goal.
Tools and Resources
- FortisBC Free Energy Saving Kit
- BC Hydro’s Energy Tracking Tools
- Better Homes BC rebate guide
- City of Kamloops See the Heat Program
Other Examples