Volume 3 - Program & Project Ideas (PDF - 4.5 - Natural Life Network

Natural Resources Canada – Community Energy Systems
- Case study: Cobourg, ON
Habitat for Humanity of Northumberland renovated buildings that were formerly used for
military housing. To-date, 10 of the 29 units are complete and occupied.
• Reusing existing buildings saves energy for construction, makes efficient use
of land and reduces sprawl.
• The project served as an important first renewal; it has led to revitalization of
surrounding areas; developers have brought forward plans to redevelop a
neighbouring parcel of land.
Source: CMHC. 2003. Assessment of the Direct and Indirect Impacts of the ACT Program. For
additional information, contact (613) 241-5221 ext. 242 info@actprogram.com
B.2.3 Efficiency lighting
Homeowners that replace regular incandescent lights with energy efficient compact
florescent lights save energy.
The bulbs bearing the international high efficiency ENERGY STAR ® symbol on the
packaging assure maximum energy efficiency. According to NRCan’s Office of Energy
Efficiency, a typical Canadian home can have as many as 30 light fixtures, costing an
average of $200 annually in electricity. Replacing regular incandescent bulbs with
compact fluorescent lights in just five fixtures that are used three hours a day or more
could reduce the yearly expense by $30. These savings are enough to pay off the added
cost of the compact fluorescent lights bulb in less than two years.
For more information on the ENERGY STAR international symbol or tips on energyefficient
products, call Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE)
toll-free at 1-800-387-2000 or visit OEE's websites at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca or
http://energystar.gc.ca, or write to Energy Publication, Office of Energy Efficiency,
Natural Resources Canada, c/o S.J.D.S. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L3.
For details on incentives and rebates for Selected ENERGY STAR ® Qualified Products In
Canada, contact OEE.
- Case study: Santa Monica, CA, USA
The City of Santa Monica retrofitted all its six downtown garages, the city hall, and the
police department with energy efficient lighting. Lighting retrofits may be the most costeffective
method of saving energy and have the fastest rate of return on investment.
• The downtown parking garages were retrofitted at a cost of $198,750 (US); it
will save the City over $60,000 (US) per year, and reduce electricity
consumption by over 558,775 kilowatt-hours per year.
• Lighting retrofits at the city hall and the police department were completed at
a cost of $39,975 (US); it will save over $14,000 (US) per year, and reduce
electricity consumption by over 130,500 kilowatt hours per year.
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