Data shows that the long-term value of location-efficient homes will only go up. There is already a high level of demand – people want to live where they can walk – or bike – to shops, services, schools and work.
Reducing your energy footprint doesn't have to mean making sacrifices. In fact, there is growing evidence that including environmental impact in your home-buying and renovation decisions makes good financial sense as well as improving quality of life and providing more time for family, friends and fun by reducing commutes.
As more people prioritize walkability and commit to reducing their personal energy footprint, the benefits increase. A recent Pew Research Centre study found that 73 per cent of Canadians believe that "people must make major lifestyle changes to reduce effects of climate change," and a 2014 Pembina Institute study found that 80 per cent of Greater Toronto residents preferred to live in walkable and transit-accessible neighbourhoods.
"In general, studies have found that people increasingly prefer to live in location-efficient places," says Clifford Maynes, the executive director of Green Communities Canada. "Most people who choose to live in the suburbs and commute by car do so because they're having difficulty finding affordable housing in the kinds of neighbourhoods where they prefer to live."
Transportation outpaces residential heating and lighting in terms of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, so getting cars off the road is critical. But the benefits of location efficiency extend beyond the environment. The Pembina Institute report found that homebuyers could save an average of about $10,000 each year by choosing a home that allowed them to get rid of one car, meaning they could add up to $200,000 to their mortgage and still reduce their monthly expenses. And research by the Canadian Diabetes Association found that living in a walkable neighbourhood significantly reduces the risk of chronic disease, even among people who have other risk factors.
“Most people who choose to live in the suburbs and commute by car do so because they’re having difficulty finding affordable housing in the kinds of neighbourhoods where they prefer to live.” |
Clifford Maynes is the executive director of Green Communities Canada |
It's also a good investment decision, says Mr. Maynes. "There is a lot of data to show that the long-term value of location-efficient homes will only go up. There is already a high level of demand – people want to live where they can easily, comfortably, conveniently and enjoyably walk to shops, services, schools and work."
Wherever your home is located, you can also reduce your footprint by reining in your highest household emitters. Heating can account for up to 50 per cent of household electricity use, so B.C. Hydro spokesperson Kevin Aquino notes that installing high-efficiency furnaces or electric heat pumps that use less energy can have a significant impact while improving the overall comfort of a home.
Lighting typically uses up to 15 per cent of household electricity use, so switching to LEDs and turning lights off when you're not in the room makes a big difference.
Our electronic device addictions are also taking a toll. Standby power can account for up to 10 per cent of average energy use, says Mr. Aquino. "The average Canadian home has more than 25 electronic devices that use standby power, so we encourage our customers to unplug their devices when not in use or to use an advanced power bar." (Advanced power bars sense when a device is turned off and cut off power to the outlet.)
Many utility companies and governments offer incentive programs for green retrofits, says Mr. Maynes. For information and advice, check the website of your local utility provider.
This content was produced by Randall Anthony Communications, in partnership with The Globe and Mail's advertising department. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.