In Kamloops, just like most communities in Canada, the two main sources of local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are transportation and buildings. Buildings in the city of Kamloops account for 29% of all GHGs. New residential and commercial buildings can be built to new standards – such as the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code – that greatly reduce the emissions associated with heating and cooling. But what about the buildings that already exist? It’s estimated that 70% of the buildings that will be around in 2050 already exist today. How can we reduce the emissions associated with those buildings, and improve their comfort and durability in the process? 

Retrofit Assist is one program that responds to this challenge as it was specifically designed by the BC-based non-profit, Community Energy Association (CEA), to help homeowners navigate the sometimes-confusing process of home energy retrofits. Many homeowners have the will to retrofit their homes to lower their energy bills, reduce their GHG emissions, and increase the comfort of their home, but it can be difficult to know what to do, how much it will cost, what rebates would be available, and who would do the work. CEA designed Retrofit Assist to make this pathway easier, faster, and more impactful. 

Participants in the program will start with an EnerGuide Evaluation. The Energy Concierge staff at Retrofit Assist will work with homeowners to help them understand how their home is performing now and then work with them to create a plan based on homeowner priorities, budget and timelines. Right from the start, participants also receive impartial guidance on financing options. An exciting addition to Retrofit Assist is access to a financing program that has been successful in eastern Canada. Administered by SwitchPACE Community Interest Corporation (CIC), the financing that Retrofit Assist participants can access is a unique way to make it easier to get energy improvement projects started.

Retrofit work can include improving the home’s building envelope (insulation, air sealing, window/door replacement), updating heating and cooling equipment (including heat pumps), ventilation, or hot water systems, and/or installing energy saving measures like solar panels, EV charging, and new energy efficient appliances. 

Since the program launched in 2022 in Squamish, Whistler, and Rossland, nearly 300 homeowners have participated in the program and those who have gone through the retrofit process to completion report average energy savings of nearly 30%. This is considerably higher than the national average of 22% energy savings as a result of a home energy retrofit. 

A key component of Retrofit Assist is the relationship with local energy advisors who understand the local context and can explain what homes might need to become more comfortable and energy efficient. This builds homeowner knowledge of what their retrofit journey might look like so they can plan priority upgrades based on costs, timelines, and rebates. As one Retrofit Assist participant noted, “We feel much more confident and comfortable moving forward. As a result, we are also going to do other home energy efficiency projects that we may not have undertaken as we didn’t know how best to move forward. This is a fantastic service!”   

Retrofit Assist also seeks to work with the local builder and contractor community. Contractors who apply to become certified by the program can receive free leads to homeowners ready to invest in upgrades. When your client is also a Retrofit Assist participant, you will not have to spend time navigating rebate questions; the energy concierges at Retrofit Assist will support that work! Less time talking and more time getting your work done! What’s more, when a participant finances their project through Retrofit Assist, the program will pay you directly when the work is complete.

It is exciting to know that Kamloops residents will join the approximately 300 other British Columbians who have participated in program. Thanks goes to the City of Kamloops for partnering with CEA and SwitchPACE CIC to offer Retrofit Assist, making it easier for residents to save money and reduce emissions.

To learn more about Retrofit Assist or to register as a homeowner: https://retrofitassist.ca/communities/kamloops/

If you’re a contractor and would like more information about becoming certified: https://retrofitassist.ca/contractors/

Photo credit: Community Energy Association / Peter Olsen