Our spring magazine is ready for you!
Our magazines are full of advice to help you save energy, money, and the environment. You can read about our programs and offers, seasonal energy-saving tips, and other green living content. Be sure to keep it on hand so you can reference it whenever you need information about saving energy.
Click the link below to access a digital version.
Efficiency Manitoba will be providing funding and support over a two-year period to enable First Nation communities to hire and train a community-based Energy Efficiency Advocate. Advocates will engage with their community and Efficiency Manitoba to create a community-led energy efficiency plan that facilitates participation in Efficiency Manitoba’s programs.
The participating First Nation communities approved to receive funding through Efficiency Manitoba’s Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program include the following:
The program will support economic development activities within participating First Nation communities. Energy efficiency projects will be undertaken by local businesses and contractors, which bolsters local job creation.
“Efficiency Manitoba’s Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program focuses on communities,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks and Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba Jeff Wharton. “The Energy Efficiency Advocate will be employed by the First Nation, and the energy efficiency upgrades through Efficiency Manitoba’s programs will be completed by local contractors. This creates job opportunities at the community level and aids in economic recovery from the pandemic. And co-developing these energy saving initiatives with Efficiency Manitoba is another positive step on the path towards reconciliation.”
Each of these communities will receive funding for two years to support the hiring, training, and ongoing work of a local Energy Efficiency Advocate.
“The Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program helps to support First Nations in their efforts to reduce energy bills through energy efficiency at the community level,” said Colleen Kuruluk, Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency Manitoba. “We’re very excited to work closely with these communities and their Energy Efficiency Advocates to help them maximize energy efficiency opportunities and take steps to fulfil their goals.”
Almost half of the First Nations that applied and will receive funding through the program’s first application intake period are represented by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO).
“Today, I would like to proudly commend our First Nations of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, Shamattawa First Nation and York Factory First Nation on being the first MKO First Nations to take advantage of Efficiency Manitoba’s Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program. These First Nations will be able to obtain the services of their own Energy Efficiency Advocate who will work to help make their communities more energy efficient and help community members and businesses participate in Efficiency Manitoba programs. I am encouraged by the participation of these MKO First Nations in the program and I am certain more communities will engage in energy efficiency programming as the engagement work of Efficiency Manitoba continues,” stated MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.
Communities apply for funding during specified application intake periods. The communities listed above were selected through the Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program’s first intake period. Efficiency Manitoba plans to open future application intervals annually, enabling even more First Nation communities to participate and receive funding for Energy Efficiency Advocates.
Learn more about Efficiency Manitoba’s Indigenous Community Energy Efficiency Program.
For more information, please email us at media@efficiencyMB.ca.
Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program will be providing funding and support over a two-year period to enable four Manitoba municipalities to hire and train an Energy Efficiency Advocate. These Energy Efficiency Advocates will create plans to help their communities lower their energy consumption and bills by participating in Efficiency Manitoba’s programs.
The following municipalities will be receiving support through Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program:
“Energy Efficiency Advocates foster a culture of conservation and sustainability through energy efficiency in their communities,” said Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks and Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba Jeff Wharton. “Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program demonstrably promotes local economic development. Advocates work closely with local businesses, residents, and municipal governments to help reduce energy consumption and associated bills, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and create healthier and more efficient spaces in which Manitobans can live, work, and play.”
In addition to supporting the work of the Energy Efficiency Advocate, Efficiency Manitoba will provide rebates and technical expertise to support their efforts.
“We’re pleased to provide funding to municipalities to offset a substantial portion of an Energy Efficiency Advocate’s salary,” said Colleen Kuruluk, Chief Executive Officer of Efficiency Manitoba. “By providing this support, we’re removing some of the financial constraints that communities may face when attempting to set energy efficiency goals and develop an action plan to achieve them. We also provide the advocate with training, ongoing support, and direct access to our rebates and programs, further helping communities reach their energy efficiency goals.”
Building on existing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability efforts, Hamiota Municipality’s Energy Efficiency Advocate will serve their 1,250 residents by helping them make energy-efficient choices and become a greener community as a result.
“We are excited to participate in this program,” said Hamiota Municipality Mayor Larry Oakden. “Not only does it benefit our citizens, but it contributes to the success of Efficiency Manitoba and reduces excess energy usage.”
A joint application for the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys, Municipality of De Salaberry, and Municipality of Lorne (Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes) was submitted by Eco-West Canada. Supporting these municipalities, Eco-West will identify energy efficiency opportunities, engage with community groups and residents to promote sustainability efforts, and help coordinate upgrades that will benefit over 5,000 residents.
“Municipalities influence over half of all energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and need to be engaged and mobilized in order for Canada and Manitoba to meet their emission reduction targets. However, communities consistently report to us that their lack of capacity in the areas of personnel, expertise, budget, and access to funding are the main barriers to implementing their community energy efficiency plans,” said Dany Robidoux, Executive Director of Eco-West Canada.
“Through this partnership with Efficiency Manitoba, our goal is to ensure that our municipal partners, as well as their local businesses and residents, can leverage Efficiency Manitoba programs along with accessing additional building retrofit funding available through Federal funding opportunities.”
Creating and executing energy efficiency plans within Manitoba communities is a vital step in not only contributing to Efficiency Manitoba’s electricity and natural gas savings targets, but also in fostering green, robust, and thriving local economies.
Learn more about Efficiency Manitoba’s Community Energy Efficiency Program.
For more information, please email us at media@efficiencyMB.ca.
Spring break in Manitoba is often a slush-filled holiday. With near record-breaking snowfalls this past winter, it’s not surprising that this year is no exception. But don’t let it get you down – we put together a list of activities that you can enjoy with your kids indoors and outside this spring break. Maybe we’ll even be lucky enough to get some sunny and warm weather!
It’s about time to start your seeds for this year’s gardening season, so why not make it a family activity? Many stores offer affordable seed starter trays so your kids can plant their own. Not only will they get a first-hand lesson on planting, it’s something they can enjoy for weeks to come as the seeds start to blossom. When the warm weather is here to stay, you can spend more quality time planting and caring for them outside.
You don’t always need to run to the store and gather new art supplies to have a fun day of crafting. Look around your home for items that you no longer use to get creative and save some money! Your kids will have a blast and repurposing materials is an environmentally-friendly bonus we can feel good about. If you need some ideas, check out the Artful Parent.
We understand it can be a little mucky outside this time of year, but we shouldn’t let a bit of slush prevent us from enjoying the outdoors. Take advantage of what our province has to offer and go for a hike in one of our many provincial parks or visit the playgrounds in your community. Enjoying the fresh air and vitamin D will put a smile on everyone’s face.
Insects are beneficial to our environment, so embrace the bugs and craft them a home of their own! There are different varieties of houses you can build to attract different insects, so if you prefer bees to butterflies or vice versa, be sure to look online to see which type of home is best for the insect you’d like to attract.
While we’re on the topic, don’t forget to leave the outdoor spring cleaning until after we’ve had at least seven consecutive days of plus 10° C weather. Many beneficial insects find shelter in the leaves and grass. By removing it too soon, you could be disrupting their habitat.
Energy efficiency efforts continue to evolve in Manitoba’s new construction industry. Design and construction practices are moving towards performance-based standards. A growing number of projects are pursuing energy efficiency certification through our New Buildings Program, which is awarded to projects designed to be at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum requirements of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020 Tier 1, and any provincial admendments.
As we look ahead to the future, we expect to see building codes continue to play an important role in the energy performance of new construction. We’ll also likely see more projects working towards Net-Zero Energy Ready, where buildings are designed to produce as much clean energy as they consume.
We’re excited for the future – and we can help you prepare for your energy efficiency projects today. If you’re constructing a new commercial building, investing in energy modelling is a great way to optimize your savings.
Energy modelling is a process used to estimate the energy consumption of a building. Information about climate, solar orientation, design geometry, building materials, and mechanical and electrical systems is collected. This data is then entered into a software program to model and estimate the projected energy use of the building’s design.
The modelling results can be used to:
Energy modelling is typically carried out by a design team who use the modelling results to provide advice and consultation to building owners and project teams.
Energy modelling allows you to determine the savings impact of the building early in the design process so you can select the materials, technologies, and processes that will bring the most value to your project. Once the model is complete, design characteristics can be adjusted to help evaluate multiple design scenarios against project objectives, budget, and estimated energy consumption.
Energy modelling can also be used to help meet other objectives, like determining eligibility for an incentive or demonstrating compliance with performance-based building codes.
Cost reduction is also a significant benefit. Not only does using energy modelling early in the design process help you identify ways to save energy, but it also helps you save money and reduce the need for costly modifications and changes down the road.
Modern building codes and construction practices are moving in the direction of performance-based standards. In the future, it’s expected that energy modelling will be a necessary part of the integrated design process.
Our New Buildings Program offers incentives for energy modelling and construction when you design and build a new energy-efficient building. The Energy Modelling Assistance Incentive provides you with up to $12,000 for energy modelling during your project design phase. Our Performance Path offers up to $3.50 per square foot for new commercial construction projects modelled to be at least 5% more efficient than the energy code. Through this path, energy efficiency certification is awarded to projects designed to be at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum requirements of the NECB Tier 1, and any provincial amendments.
If you’ve braved a Manitoba winter, you’ve likely noticed the changes that occur in your home throughout the season. The air becomes drier when your heat is on longer and you’re probably experiencing more static electricity, yet you may see condensation forming on the windows. Why is that and how can you get it under control?
Everything around us contains moisture: the carpet, the floors, the walls, even the pile of newspapers on the kitchen table. The air around us contains a certain level of moisture too. When we talk about humidity, we usually mean relative humidity, which refers to the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum moisture the air can hold.
Condensation appears when relatively warm and humid air comes in contact with a cold surface. This is most commonly seen on our windows during the colder months while we’re heating our homes, or in the bathroom after a shower. The temperature of the warm air drops rapidly as it contacts the cold window, releasing the moisture it contained. The same principle applies throughout your home and can occur behind your walls or in your attic. This can lead to the growth of mould or other potentially serious problems.
While you want to maintain some humidity in your home, you’ll want to reduce the amount of condensation that forms as a result. Here are some ways you can manage the condensation in your home:
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) controls the humidity levels in your home and prevents condensation from forming. Many homes in Manitoba have an HRV, but homeowners often have theirs switched off. An HRV can be used year-round; however, using it during the summer months can actually increase the temperature inside your home. Your HRV is most beneficial during the colder months when the temperature outside is drastically different from the temperature inside our homes. If you’re not sure how to use your HRV, check out this article for more information.
If you don’t have an HRV, your furnace can help. Set your furnace’s fan to run continuously even if the heat isn’t on to keep the air in your home moving. And if you have a smart thermostat, it can run your furnace for some portion of each hour.
As we mentioned before, your windows are typically where you can see condensation forming and can also play a big part in the levels of relative humidity in your home. If you live in an older home, your windows may be leaky, inefficient, and not doing much when it comes to insulation.
Triple pane windows offer more of an insulating barrier, so they’ll do a better job of regulating the temperature inside the home. By upgrading your windows to triple pane, your home will be better sealed and insulated, as well as more energy efficient! If you’re considering an upgrade, check out our Windows and Doors Rebate.
If you’re not ready to upgrade your windows just yet, consider purchasing a window insulating kit. The plastic film will act like another pane of glass and can help reduce cold air coming into your home.
Air leakage carries air inside your walls and ceiling which can contribute to condensation. With proper insulation, you can decrease the presence of cold surfaces within your home. Air sealing saves energy and can help prevent condensation from forming where you can’t see it.
Your home may not have enough insulation. If it was built before 1999, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to 100% of your insulation material costs! Learn more about our Home Insulation Rebate and see if you and your project qualify. Our income-based Energy Efficiency Assistance Program also offers free insulation upgrades to qualifying households.
Here are a few more tips to keep the condensation in your home at bay:
Condensation is more prevalent during our winter cold snaps. With these tips and tools you can keep it under control and make your home more comfortable.
January and February can be long, cold months. The holidays are behind us and we’re inevitably starting to dream about the warmer weather to come. Rather than letting the cold bring us down, let’s kick the winter blues to the curb and take advantage of what Manitoba has to offer!
There are so many winter activities to enjoy throughout Manitoba. Here are a few of our favourites:
Whether you’re an avid snowboarder or skier or are looking for a new winter activity to try, a trip to the slopes could be the perfect weekend getaway for you and your family.
Asessippi is the biggest ski hill in Manitoba. They have a lot of options when it comes to accommodation, as well as a variety of runs available to suit your skill level. The tubing park and terrain park can also make for a fun-filled day!
Nestled in the woods along Falcon Lake, Falcon Ridge is a ski resort that offers 12 runs, a tube run with a lift, and 30 kilometres of Nordic ski trails that are free for anyone to use. You can also visit SpringHill Winter Sports Park, Ski Valley, and many others throughout our province.
A Manitoba staple, ice fishing is another fun activity to do with friends and family. Our abundance of lakes and rivers makes it an accessible activity no matter where you’re located. Thanks to our long winter season, you’ll have ample opportunity to catch some fish. Just be sure to get your fishing license before heading out on the ice!
There are lots of skating trails and rinks throughout Manitoba. A classic for Winnipeggers is the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks which offers skating under the canopy, winding trails throughout the grounds, and skate rentals if you’re new to the activity! The Flats in Neepawa and the Victoria Park Skating Path in Souris are also great options outside of Manitoba’s capital.
The start of the new year is the perfect time to set new goals and begin new routines. Why not add energy-saving resolutions to your list? We’ve put together a list of simple changes that you can add to your everyday routine to help you save energy and money!
If you’re curious about how much energy your home is using, take our virtual energy review! It’s a simple way to get some insight into how much energy your home’s heating system is using and how you can start saving. You just need to answer a few questions about your home; the tool will generate a customized home energy use report and recommend energy-saving opportunities that make sense for you.
The days are getting shorter, the kids are back in school, and everything is suddenly pumpkin spiced. These are just some of the tell-tale signs of fall! Here are some of our top energy-saving tips to make sure your home is just as ready for sweater weather as you are:
Design and construction practices are moving in the direction of performance-based standards. If you’re building a new home or a new commercial building, investing in energy modelling is a great way to get on board.
Energy modelling is a process used to estimate the energy consumption of a building, typically on an annual basis. Information about climate, orientation, design geometry, building materials, and mechanical and electrical systems is collected. All this data is then entered into a software program to determine the overall energy use of the building’s design.
The information can then be used to compare a proposed building to a similar existing building, a specified energy target or building code requirement, and/or to assign a performance rating.
Energy modelling is typically carried out by design team members who use the modelling results to provide advice and consultation to building owners, project teams, and individuals.
Energy modelling allows you to determine the impact on the building early in the design process so you can select the materials, technologies, and processes that will bring the most value to your project. There are many variables like design geometry, solar orientation, mechanical systems, and more that can be adjusted in the context of energy costs to determine the best fit with your specific objectives and budget.
Energy modelling can also be used to help meet other objectives like determining eligibility for rebate or certificate programs or demonstrating compliance with performance-based building codes.
Not only does using energy modelling early in the design process help you identify ways to save energy, but it also helps you save money and reduce the need for costly modifications and changes down the road.
Modern building codes and construction practices are already moving in the direction of performance-based standards. In the future, it’s expected that energy modelling will be a necessary part of the integrated design process.
Efficiency Manitoba offers rebates for the costs of hiring an energy modeller if you are:
Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program offers rebates for the cost of hiring an energy modeller when designing your new home.
Find out more about residential energy modelling when designing new homes here.
