Despite the high use of oil and natural gas for heating, Nova Scotia is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint. Many homes still use oil to heat, which contributes to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but the province is increasing its focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar to offset these. As part of its climate strategy, Nova Scotia aims to cut GHG emissions by 53% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with energy efficiency at the core of these plans.
In September 2024, the province announced plans to move to Tier 3 of the national model building codes for low-rise buildings by 2027 and Tier 3 for large buildings by 2029.
Nova Scotia slipped from second to fifth place on Efficiency Canada’s 2024 Provincial Scorecard that evaluates provinces on their energy efficiency efforts. This shift reflects areas in which the province still needs improvement, including policy gaps, outdated infrastructure, and continued dependence on fossil fuels for heating. However, this drop does not diminish the ongoing advancements the province is making in both energy efficiency programs and renewable energy integration.
Despite the above challenges, Nova Scotia continues to make great progress in several key areas as follows.
Nova Scotia offers programs through Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) to provide rebates and incentives for homeowners and businesses to invest in energy-saving upgrades. Programs such as HomeWarming help low-income residents make their homes more energy efficient, thereby reducing heating costs and lowering emissions. Businesses also benefit from incentives for energy efficient lighting and equipment.
The province has made substantial investments in renewable energy. Wind power is a major contributor to Nova Scotia’s clean energy mix, and the province aims to source 80% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Additionally, new building codes and retrofitting programs are improving energy efficiency in homes and commercial spaces to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG emissions.
Public education campaigns are helping to raise awareness about energy-saving habits and technologies. By encouraging small changes like upgrading insulation and switching to LED lights, Nova Scotians are increasingly adopting energy efficient practices that make a big difference in reducing overall energy demand.
While Nova Scotia’s reliance on fossil fuels for heating remains a challenge, the province is focused on expanding the adoption and use of energy efficient technologies and integrating renewable energy sources in the energy mix.
Continued investment in green energy coupled with targeted efficiency programs will help the province reach its climate goals.
Nova Scotia’s future is one where energy efficiency and sustainability are at the core of its economic and environmental strategies.
CIET works closely with several organizations and governmental agencies throughout the province to support their training and capability building goals. Training for the industrial sector is being offered by Efficiency Nova Scotia (ENS) supported by funding received from NRCan’s Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP). As ENS’ training partner, CIET will deliver multiple training courses to ENS staff and stakeholders over three years. ENS also makes training available to members of their Efficiency Preferred Partner (EPP) network in the form of discounts for a number of CIET’s publicly offered training courses.
The Nova Scotia Department of Energy (formerly Nova Scotia Natural Resources and Renewables) signed on with CIET to deliver a series of six workshops to bolster staff knowledge on various topics related to energy efficiency, energy efficiency program design and delivery, as well as existing building commissioning to name a few. Additionally, Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Works (NSDPW) has been relying on CIET for training to support internal staff and building operators across their 430+ properties. Finally, since 2018, CIET has delivered training for the building operators working across Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)’s campuses, providing training on operations fundamentals, building automation systems, and energy cost reductions.
Nova Scotia may have experienced a minor setback in energy efficiency rankings, but its ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption, invest in renewable energy, and improve public engagement point to a bright and sustainable future.
With continued focus and innovation, Nova Scotia will continue to lead by example and punch above its weight in supporting Canada’s journey toward a cleaner, energy efficient future.
Author
Lisa Rae, CEM, CMVP, CRE
Business Development Manager, CIET
Sources:
1. Nova Scotia’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Targets:
2. Efficiency Canada’s Provincial Scorecard:
3. Renewable Energy Goals:
3. HomeWarming Program:
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