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what

Financial Supports to Go Green

A third-party incentive is financial reward provided to citizens through a non-governmental or corporate organization in collaboration with a local government. For example, some local governments offered rebates to citizens with solar panels through Solar BC [5]. Read more examples under the HOW tab.

Deep GHG emissions reductions will require widespread adoption of energy efficient transportation and building technologies. Local governments can promote climate protection by connecting citizens with third party incentives promoting energy efficient transport, and energy efficiency for buildings. Incentives for improvements to business operations, commercial buildings and industrial processes also exist.

Promoting third party incentives works well in conjunction with civic programs such as facilities energy retrofits [6]. Communicating with the public can build goodwill for civic action on climate change. The City of Burnaby coordinated its comprehensive facilities retrofits with its Energy Fit public education campaign, which included information on third party incentives [1,2]. Learn more by clicking the 'How' tab above.

Complimentary Measures – Resources to Address Corporate Emissions

Funding and training [7] opportunities are also available to help local governments address their own corporate GHG emissions.

[Use the tab above to learn HOW to reduce emissions with this tool.]

[1] The City of Burnaby. (2006). Energy Fit.

[2] Marnie Watson. (September 2008). Planning Department, City of Burnaby. Personal Communication.

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how

Promoting 3rd Party Incentives

Communicate During Tax Season

Including an informational insert in citizens tax envelopes is a highly effective strategy for local governments to inform community members about incentive opportunities, and other energy efficiency measures. The City of Burnaby (download sample [9]) used this approach to great success, as did the Town of Smithers in conjunction with the non-profit One Sky.

Local governments can also use communications during rezoning and building permit applications to promote energy efficiency and connect citizens with 3rd party incentives. Be mindful that during permit applications, building designs are often relatively solidified, and incorporating efficient features can be more difficult. Local governments should prioritize strategies that can encourage energy efficiency earlier in the design and construction process.

Utilize Local NGOs

The District of Saanich contracted the non-profit organization City Green Solutions to act as the community's Energy Manager and offers free 'GreenStart' consultations [10] to introduce home, retail and store owners to the grants and programs relevant to their building type. Green builders also receive one hour of free energy consulting.

Incentive Programs & Educational Resources

Local governments can encourage citizens to access the following resources:

LiveSmart BC [11] is a Provincial program that educates British Columbians about opportunities to save money and reduce their GHG footprints. LiveSmart provides incentives for home energy retrofits and more fuel efficient transport decisions. British Columbians applying for incentives through LiveSmart will automatically qualify for Federal ecoEnergy incentives for home retrofits, and are provided detailed information on applying for Federal ecoAUTO incentives.
Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency [12] offers the ecoENERGY retrofit incentives [13] to small and medium sized businesses for energy efficiency improvements to buildings and industrial processes.
The enterprising non-profit Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre [14] in Vancouver offers educational resources for British Columbians undertaking green building projects, catering to a diversity of knowledge levels. Additionally, Lighthouse offers consulting services for projects, at charge.
The enterprising non-profit City Green Solutions [15] in Victoria offers educational resources and workshops promoting energy efficient building and retrofits. City Green also conducts energy assessments of homes and businesses.

For an links to Funding directories that can help communities reduce their impact on the climate, see the funding page [16].

New incentive programs and educational resources are frequently launched, while others expire. If your organization is offering such programming, or you recongize updates required to our database, please contact us [17].

Other Funding Directories

The following sites list funding opportunities, incentives, and tools, available to encourage lower carbon buildings in BC’s communities:

Natural Resources Canada [18] – Directory of Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Programs in Canada

City Green Solutions Energy Efficiency Incentives [19] - A list of incentive of energy efficient renovation and construction grants, rebates, subsidies, tax rebates, and other incentives available in BC, including those for low-income housing.

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Third Party Incentives