Pickering's bright future

PICKERING -- A local non-profit organization wants Durham Region to stand up for the environment.

Pickering-based Durham Sustain Ability, which provides community-based solutions centred around sustainability, has re-launched its We have the Power program with hopes that 1,500 residents will make a pledge to reduce and conserve in the areas of energy, transportation, waste and water by March.

Rachael Wraith, DSA public relations coordinator, said these small steps will bring a brighter future and will not only save the environment, but also residents' wallets.

"It's not a trend anymore," she said. "It's the way things are moving."

At least one Pickering councillor has taken the challenge.

About 18 months ago, Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles had an audit conducted on his home by senior certified energy advisor David Drodge, of Windfall Ecology Centre, to see where he should make improvements for a more efficient family home. After making upgrades, Mr. Drodge returned to measure the difference and determine how much money Coun. Pickles would be reimbursed through the federal government's ecoENERGY retrofit grant program, which offers grants to homeowners after improving efficiency. The Province matches the federal amount.

He learned replacing his 22-year-old furnace with a new, high-efficiency one, plus getting new windows, replacing insulation, weather-stripping and caulking would be the best changes. He did just that and has seen lower energy bills since.

"It's an absolute money-saver if you have to replace your furnace anyway," Coun. Pickles said

He added people in homes around 20 years old should seriously consider replacing their furnaces before they break down.

He's also made a number of small changes such as replacing old light bulbs with low-energy ones as they burn out and installing ceiling fans in the bedrooms.

"It keeps you comfortable without having to turn on the air conditioning," he said.

All told, the changes cost about $4,000.

Last week, Mr. Drodge returned to determine the improvements. The audits cost less than $500 for the two visits.

"We've been real busy this year," Mr. Drodge said. "This is the busiest I've seen it."

Results showed Coun. Pickles' energuide rating (a measurement used for the ecoENERGY program) increased from 64 to 75 and he reduced his greenhouse gas emissions by 2.8 tonnes per year.

He'll get $2,000 back in provincial and federal grants. Although he was hoping for a little more, "to put out $4,000 and to get $2,000 back is well worth it."

Plus, he said, he's going to save on energy bills in the long run and, after replacing the furnace, "the place is more comfortable now."

DSA will hand out prizes to those who excel with their changes. People who simply take the pledge will receive tools to start up.

To make the pledge or for more information:

Visit: www.wehavethepower.ca

Call: 905-427-0061