Federal Government and FCM invest in energy-saving solutions in Hamilton
by CM staff
If successful, the project could provide enough heat for more than 80 million square feet of building space.
HAMILTON — An investment of $335,000 through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) will support two feasibility studies aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Hamilton.
Hamilton Community Enterprises receives $175,000 to explore, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, the commercial and technical viability of a district energy system that will use locally available industrial residual heat as a fuel source for a proposed low-carbon thermal corridor. If successful, the project could provide enough heat for more than 80 million square feet of building space, the size of almost 1390 football fields, which would decrease Hamilton’s building carbon footprint by about 70 per cent.
The City of Hamilton receives $160,000 to study ways to develop a home retrofit financing program that will encourage homeowners to adopt energy efficiency improvements including fuel switching, air sealing, insulation and the purchasing of power-saving appliances. The scope of the study will include identifying target areas for home energy upgrades, analyzing different program delivery models, examining ways homeowners can take advantage of other incentives and developing strategies to maximize uptake of the program once approved.
GMF, administered by FCM and funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada, helps local partners switch to sustainable practices faster by giving them the tools they need to reduce emissions and build sustainable, prosperous communities. By taking action to adapt to climate change we can build communities and economies that are able to thrive for generations to come.
“Today’s announcement in Hamilton, Ontario, will help support affordability and climate action. By investing now in energy-efficient solutions like district heading and retrofits, we are taking the steps needed to create good-paying jobs, save consumers money and fight climate change for years to come,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
