Change Homes for Climate: Edmonton’s EnerGuide Residential Labeling Program

By: City of Edmonton

Team Photo WinnerEdmonton’s residential labeling program helps Edmontonians understand the energy performance of a home and obtain expert advice on how to make it more energy efficient and comfortable. But Edmonton’s program goes beyond the individual home, as the labeling system allows for comparisons between homes so the market can make informed decisions.

The program consists of a home evaluation that includes recommendations on upgrades/renovations (for existing homes) and an EnerGuide label with a rating on the energy performance of the home. The labels are then shared on a map that allows owners and buyers to compare their property to other similar properties, giving them the confidence that “energy efficiency” is more than a sales pitch, that it can indeed be measured and made visible.

By sharing labels on our map, builders and residents are helping make energy efficiency visible. Over time, having a system to compare homes, drives improvements in energy efficiency in the building stock and can sustain positive change. Improved energy efficiency will reduce emissions and 20% of Edmonton’s greenhouse gas emissions are the result of the energy we use in our homes. EnerGuide helps residents and builders alike take meaningful steps towards climate action and reducing emissions.