New Pilot Project Helps Increase Efficiency, Comfort and Value of Homes
(Dartmouth, NS) – Efficiency Nova Scotia announced today it has partnered with the federal and provincial governments, the Nova Scotia Realtors Association and ViewPoint Realty Services to launch an EnerGuide rating system pilot project to help improve the energy efficiency of Nova Scotian homes.
The innovative pilot announced today will give homeowners the option to have EnerGuide information included with their listing on MLS® and posted to the ViewPoint.ca real estate website. This project is made possible by a financial contribution from Natural Resources Canada.
EnerGuide is a rating system developed by the Canadian Government to measure a home’s energy performance. Homeowners in Nova Scotia can book a $99 Home Energy Assessment with Efficiency Nova Scotia to receive an EnerGuide rating. This assessment helps homeowners prioritize home improvements and access rebates to improve the energy efficiency and overall value of their home.
“Energy efficiency is one of our most important and accessible tools in the fight against climate change,” said Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “Sharing energy ratings will help homebuyers make better informed decisions and consider a home’s energy use as part of the real estate process.”
The Province of Nova Scotia also contributed to the project which continues to bolster Nova Scotia’s reputation as an innovator in the field of energy efficiency.
“Nova Scotians value energy efficiency,” said Nova Scotia Energy Minister, Geoff MacLellan. “This innovative pilot will make it easier for homebuyers to make informed purchase decisions and encourages energy improvements that help homeowners save money while helping our province address climate change.”
Stephen MacDonald, CEO of EfficiencyOne, which operates Efficiency Nova Scotia, says the project has multiple benefits.
“Energy efficient homes are not only less expensive to heat and cool, they’re also more comfortable to live in,” said Mr. MacDonald. “Buyers want credible, easy to understand information about a home’s energy efficiency, and sellers who provide this information can sell their homes faster.”
Roger Boutilier, CEO of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors, says his membership is fully behind the project and is excited to help guide sellers and buyers through the EnerGuide process.
“As a valued partner of EfficiencyOne, this pilot aligns with many of our fundamental principles,” said Mr. Boutilier. “It allows us to actively contribute to improving Nova Scotia’s housing stock, long-term housing affordability and a better environment.”
Sean McMullen, Director of Business Development for ViewPoint.ca, says the real estate environment is ripe for such an endeavour.
“For buyers, requesting and reviewing energy consumption history is near standard practice. For sellers, increasing promotion of energy efficiency in homes and focusing on attributes related to energy consumption is vital,” said Mr. McMullen. “So, we’re excited and optimistic about making this information more accessible and working alongside our partners to make this project happen.”
Learn more here: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/viewpoint/
For more information, contact Efficiency Nova Scotia at 1-877-999-6035.
Efficiency Nova Scotia is operated by EfficiencyOne, an independent, non-profit organization based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Since 2010, we’ve helped more than 278,000 program participants save energy and money. Efficiency Nova Scotia is your go-to place for energy saving programs and services. To learn more, click to watch Why Energy Efficiency?
For more information please contact:
David Salter
Communications & Stakeholder Lead, Efficiency Nova Scotia
Phone: 902-470-3513
Mobile: 902-414-5586
Email: dsalter@efficiencyns.ca