Home Energy Retrofit Program Will Help Burlington Homeowners Improve Energy Efficiency & Reduce Carbon Footprint
Our weekly series "Budget Briefs" lets residents know how our community will be benefitting from specific investments in Burlington's approved 2023 Operating and Capital Budget.
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As part of the investments in the 2023 Operating and Capital Budget, the City of Burlington is providing one-year funding towards the implementation of our Home Energy Retrofit Program.This pilot program will help support homeowners improve energy efficiency and comfort in their homes, as well as to reduce their carbon footprint to help achieve Burlington Council’s target to become a net carbon neutral community by 2050 under the Climate Action Plan.The program focuses on supporting those homeowners wishing to fuel switch from burning fossil fuels for thermal energy by utilizing more efficient air source heat pumps. Reducing the burning of fossil fuels has the co-benefit of improving air quality, including indoor air quality and support healthy living. The program also supports the local economy, supporting the need for home energy auditors and contractors. As well, supporting electric mobility options not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the community but also has theco-benefit of improving local air quality.Description of Program:Delivery of a small scale, home energy efficiency retrofit program for Burlington homeowners to adopt specific measures to support switching from the use of fossil fuels for heating and cooling of homes, through the use of air source heat pumps and air sealing. Up to $10,000 as an interest-bearing loan would also be made available to homeowners to help them make the switch under the Local Improvement Loan program requirements, to be paid back via their property tax bill.A new one-year contract staff position would act as a virtual delivery centre to provide guidance to homeowners on how to reduce theircarbon footprint, financing options available (including external grant and loan programs) and review and administer the loan process. There is potential for this staff person to also assist with implementation of electric mobility strategy, engaging the Burlington business and residential communities to support actions to increase uptake of electric vehicles and emicro mobility options.Staff have recommended targeting support for 20 homes in the first year of the program.For more information, please visit the City's dedicated webpage on Home Energy Efficiency Retrofits.
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At Burlington's Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services (EICS) Committee on June 1, staff presented us with an update report on the creation of the Better Homes Burlington Energy Retrofit Pilot Program to provide a maximum of twenty loans to Burlington homeowners who meet program eligibility criteria to support the implementation of air source heat pumps. Please click the link to learn more about the motion carried to the June 13 Council meeting for a vote and the staff report and supporting documents.
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Additional Resources:
- 2023 City of Burlington Operating and Capital Budget Book
- Staff 2023 Budget Overview Presentation: F-01-23 2023 Budget Overview Staff Presentation
- Motion amendments to the budget from Council - 2023 Budget Appendix: F-01-23-1 App B 2023 Council Budget Motion Memorandums
- Meeting Minutes:
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RELATED LINKS:
- Joint Statement on the Burlington 2023 Budget: Investing in our Community Now & for Future Generations
- City of Burlington News Release: Burlington Council Approves 2023 Budget Focused on Improving & Protecting the Future of our Growing & Changing City
- Additional Budget Briefs:
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