Egnite Sustainability Inc

Exciting News for BC Residents!

BC Hydro is now offering up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible grid-connected solar panels and an additional $5,000 for battery storage systems! You can install solar panels or a battery, or both to maximize the value of your project and your rebate.

- Generate your own renewable energy and reduce your electricity bills.
- Store excess energy for use on cloudy days, overnight, or during power outages.

For details on eligibility, to find a qualified contractor, and to get the application started, head over to https://tinyurl.com/BCHydroRebate

Ever wondered about the difference between Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes? 🤔

Net Zero Homes produce as much clean energy as they consume, thanks to features like extra insulation, high-performance windows, and renewable energy systems (like solar panels).

Net Zero Ready Homes are built to the same high standards but are prepped for future renewable energy installations. Think of them as “PV Ready” – ready for solar panels when you are!

Renewable energy sources like solar do have an upfront investment that some prospective homeowners aren’t yet ready to purchase. By buying a Net Zero Ready Home, you have an extremely efficient home that’s easy to upgrade to a Net Zero Home when you’re ready.

Regardless of whether you pursue the initial financial investment of the renewable energy source initially or later, both Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes are significantly more energy efficient choices than traditionally built homes. The benefits of both options include:

Lower utility bills
Enhanced durability
Better indoor air quality
Reduced environmental footprint

To learn more about Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Homes or to find a Qualified Net Zero Builder or Renovator in your area, visit netzerohome.com.

Go Electric with Lawn Swap! 🌿

Central Okanagan residents, recycle your old gas-powered lawn equipment and grab a new electric model to receive up to $150 in rebates! Improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, enjoy a healthier environment, and save some money while doing it. Limited funding available, so act fast!

🔹 Rebate Details:
-Up to $150 rebate (max 50% of cost)
-One rebate per household
-Recycle old gas-powered equipment

Learn more and apply now: https://tinyurl.com/lawnswap

Have You Booked Your Assessment? 📣

Remember to book your onsite assessments with us early to ensure your spot in the schedule and avoid any delays. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to solidify your spot while allowing for some flexibility.

Remember that mid-construction and as-built assessments are crucial for a number of reasons. To name a few:

- They help identify potential energy inefficiencies early on.
- They provide an opportunity to make necessary adjustments during construction.
- They ensure your project meets energy efficiency standards upon completion.
- They effect your rebate eligibility.

So why wait? Send us an email today and get booked in!

Discover the Future of Living with CHBA Net Zero Homes!

Imagine a home that produces as much clean energy as it consumes, offering unparalleled comfort, superior indoor air quality, and exceptional energy efficiency. Every part of a Net Zero Home works together in harmony to create the ultimate energy efficient living space. Every aspect of the home, including the building envelope, mechanical systems, and renewable energy systems, works together as a system to ensure peak performance.

Whether you’re building new or renovating, CHBA Net Zero Homes are designed to reduce your environmental impact and enhance your lifestyle.
🔹 Energy Efficient: Up to 80% more efficient than typical new homes.
🔹 Comfort: Consistent temperatures, no drafts, and reduced allergens.
🔹 Sustainable: A step towards a greener future.

Learn more about how you can transform your home into a Net Zero haven and take advantage of local incentives and financing programs at www.chba.ca/net-zero/

Join the GreenStep Certified Program! 🌿

Are you a business looking to take meaningful climate action and improve your sustainability practices? The GreenStep Certified program is here to help! GreenStep Certified helps businesses assess their current green practices and provides expert coaching to identify new steps for reducing emissions and advancing environmental stewardship.

Benefits:
- Reduce Costs: Save up to 75% on energy and up to 20% on waste, water, and materials.
- Increase Revenue: Attract eco-conscious customers and improve profitability.
- Boost Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient measures to cut costs and reduce carbon taxes.
- Rebates & Incentives: Thanks to support from FortisBC, eligible businesses can save up to $500 on their first year of certification fees. Use code 'GSCFortis500' at checkout.

Ready to make a positive impact? Book a free consultation today and start your journey towards sustainability!

Check out the GreenStep website for more: https://tinyurl.com/greenstepBC

Keeping your furnace running efficiently and maintaining good indoor air quality starts with selecting the right filter. Here are some common types of furnace filters to consider:

Fiberglass Filters: Affordable and disposable, these filters are great for basic protection against large particles like dust and lint. Perfect for budget-conscious homeowners!

Pleated Filters: Made from polyester or cotton, these filters offer better filtration than fiberglass and can capture smaller particles, including pollen and pet dander. Ideal for allergy sufferers!

Electrostatic Filters: These reusable filters use static electricity to attract and trap particles. They are highly effective and environmentally friendly, but require regular cleaning.

HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the gold standard for air filtration, capturing up to 99.97% of particles. Best for those with severe allergies or respiratory issues!

UV Filters: These filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses, providing an extra layer of protection. Great for households looking to improve air quality and reduce germs!

Understanding MERV Ratings

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It defines the air particles that a filter can pick up, with a higher rating indicating better collection of smaller particles.

High-MERV Filters: If you live with someone with severe allergies or specific health concerns, opt for filters with high MERV ratings. Keep in mind, these won’t be cheap!
Residential Settings: For most homes, standard MERV ratings range between 8 to 11. If anyone in the family struggles with asthma or severe allergies, a 12 MERV rating is ideal.

Important Note: As the MERV rating increases, the airflow decreases, which can impact the furnace’s efficiency. It has to work harder to produce the same airflow.

Understanding the types and sources of air particulates is the first step toward controlling them.

You can’t see them. You can’t smell a lot of them. But your body responds to those tiny airborne particles known as PM2.5

🔍 The Basics:

PM2.5: Particles 2.5 microns or smaller.
PM0.1: Even smaller particles, 0.1 micron or less.

🌫️ Particles vs. Gases:

Particles: Groups of atoms/molecules, can be liquid or solid.
Gases: Individual atoms/molecules in gaseous state.

🏠 Sources of PM2.5:

Outdoors: About half of indoor PM2.5 comes from outside.
Indoors: Generated from various activities and sources.

Venting Bathroom Exhaust Air: A Must-Do for Every Homeowner!

Did you know that terminating bathroom exhaust ducts in an attic can lead to mold issues and expensive repairs?

Bathrooms need a way to exhaust air to keep the humidity down and eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If your home has a bathroom exhaust fan, it should ideally connect to ducts that send the air all the way to the outdoors.
Many homes have bath fans that do NOT vent all the way to the outdoors. This can lead to moisture problems, especially in winter when surfaces are cold. Moisture damage in an attic can be severe, leading to serious indoor air quality problems and even rotting of the framing and roof decking. In fact, missing ductwork on fans can result in costly repairs and roof replacements.

So, where should the duct go? It needs to terminate so that the exhaust air goes all the way to the outdoors - through a roof, a gable end, or a soffit. The key is to ensure you have ducting and a termination that allows the air to exit at a high enough velocity to escape any drafts that occur for attic ventilation.

So, have you checked out your bath fans yet? It’s time to ensure your bathroom exhaust is vented correctly!

Everyone deserves a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home! 🌿
The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program is here to make energy-saving home upgrades more affordable for you!

What upgrades are available?
Heat Pump 🌡️
Heat Pump Water Heater 🚿
Insulation 🧱
Windows and Doors 🚪
Ventilation 🌫️
Health and Safety 🩺

Please note, the application and supporting documentation must be submitted by a program registered contractor within six months of the invoice date. Also, CleanBC Energy Savings Program rebates cannot be combined with rebates from the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program or other provincial or utility offers for the same upgrade.

For full eligibility requirements and additional information go to https://tinyurl.com/cleanbcrebates

Embarking on a DIY project? 🛠️ Remember, it’s not just about saving money. It’s about the challenge, the process, and the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. 💪

Sometimes what you thought would take a day ends up taking three, with multiple trips to the hardware store and a few hiccups along the way. But despite the obstacles, you can love every minute of it. The planning, the problem-solving, the triumphant moment when things finally work correctly… it can all be worth it.

But let’s be real, DIY isn’t for the faint-hearted. It requires skill, patience, and a willingness to learn. And sometimes, things go wrong. You might damage what you’re trying to fix, void a warranty, or even hurt yourself. So before you start, ask yourself: Do you have the right tools? The right skills? The persistence to see it through?

If the answer is yes, then go for it! Embrace the challenge. Just remember, DIY is about more than saving money. It’s about the joy of building, creating, and improving. So here’s to all the DIYers out there - keep creating, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process!

Have you heard about Clean BC's Energy Savings Program, and it's Heat Pump offers?

Every individual is entitled to a home that is healthy, cozy, and energy-efficient. Depending on your family income, you may be eligible for up to $24,500 to offset the expenses of installing a heat pump, inclusive of electrical enhancements. The Energy Savings Program provides rebates for the following:

Heat pumps with central ducting
Multi-split and mini-split heat pumps
Dual fuel heat pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps
Upgrades to electric service

Your rebate for a heat pump installation depends on:

Your household income
Number of people in your home
How you currently heat your home
Type of heat pump
Location of your home

In addition to these basic requirements, you must meet specific requirements depending on the upgrade. You must also pre-register and receive an eligibility code before completing the upgrade.

For full details head over to:
https://tinyurl.com/heatpumpoffer

Help Shape West Kelowna’s Future! 🌟

West Kelowna Council is developing an Infill Housing Strategy to enhance our community with diverse housing options. Share your thoughts and participate in the survey until July 15!

Your input will help to create policies that support new housing close to amenities, transportation, and infrastructure. Together we can make West Kelowna a vibrant and inclusive place to live!

For more information and to participate in the survey head over to https://www.ourwk.ca/infillhousing

Does your primary residence have an aging furnace that runs on Fortis natural gas? Interested in receiving up to $10,000 in rebates? This new rebate program for dual fuel heating systems may be for you!

The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of installing a new electric heat pump alongside a high-efficiency gas furnace. By installing a qualifying dual fuel system, you gain a dependable and efficient heating solution that ensures your home remains cozy even during the chilliest days. Plus, it provides cooling benefits during hot weather and operates at an efficiency level exceeding 100%.

This rebate is specifically for customers seeking to upgrade their old gas furnace to a more efficient heating and cooling system. This not only enhances home comfort but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

For full program details head over to https://tinyurl.com/2s4z6mjh

🌞 Exciting News! 🌞

B.C. Hydro is launching a first-of-its-kind rebate program for solar panels and battery storage! Starting in late July, homeowners in British Columbia who install rooftop solar panels can apply for up to $10,000 in rebates! 💰

The program offers up to $5,000 toward solar photovoltaic panels and up to $5,000 toward a battery-storage system. But that’s not all! B.C. Hydro plans to expand the program to apartment buildings, small businesses, social housing, and Indigenous communities, offering rebates of up to $150,000! Join the program and you can register to have excess energy sent into the wider grid, earning credit on future consumption.

This is the first time provincewide incentives to install solar panels have been offered in B.C., marking a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future. As Energy Minister Josie Osborne said, “We need more clean energy to power our homes, businesses and industries, to power a growing economy and to power our future.”

Big News from the City of Kelowna!

The city was thrilled to announce the launch of a new Infill Fast-Track Program! This initiative is designed to speed up development approvals and get more homes built for the existing and growing population.

With this program, over 1,300 MF1-zoned multi-family lots in the City’s Core Area are now eligible for ‘fast-track’ development approvals. This means that complete Development and Building Permit applications for eligible lots can be processed and approved within just 10 business days! 🚀

This is a game-changer as it significantly reduces the approval timeline which could take from two to four months.

The Housing Policy & Programs Department Manager, James Moore, believes that "Over time, the fast-track program has the potential to deliver up to 7,000 new homes and help us meet the demand for housing in our city, especially for more affordable and diverse housing options.”

Currently, property owners and developers can choose from four pre-approved infill designs – three of these were winners of the City’s 2022 Infill Challenge. And stay tuned, because future phases of the infill fast-track program will see more design options added.

For more information on the infill fast-track program, eligibility criteria, and application process, check out the website at kelowna.ca/infill. 🌐

When it comes to building a home and its design, the type of lighting used plays a significant role in shaping our day-to-day life. Here’s how:

Natural Light:

-Health Benefits: Natural light boosts mood, energy levels, and helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and overall health

-Sustainability: Proper use of natural light can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle

-Design Statement: Natural light can be used as a strong design statement. For instance, skylights can create dramatic focal points or a pleasant filtered light

-Control: Too much direct sunlight can cause visual discomfort and undesirable heat gains. It’s essential to control its entry using shading devices, window treatments, or heat reflective glazing

Artificial Light:

Consistency: Artificial light offers consistency and control, allowing shooting at any time or location

Enhancement: It can define volumes, enhance colors, textures, and contribute to the overall relationship between dimension, proportion, and contrasts

Complexity: Artificial lighting can be expensive, complex to set up, and may require technical knowledge

In conclusion, both natural and artificial light have unique advantages and challenges. The choice depends on your specific needs and style goals.

📣 Attention Kelowna residents! Concerned about air quality during wildfire/smoke events? Join this FREE Air Purifier Workshop on July 9th at the Kelowna Community Theatre. This initiative is brought to you by the City of Kelowna, Simon Fraser University, and Interior Health.

All materials are provided free of charge and you can take your DIY air purifier home!

📍 Location: Kelowna Community Theatre, upper foyer (1375 Water Street, Kelowna)

⚠️ Space is limited! Registration confirmation and ID required at the event.

There are 3 available sessions to choose from:

10am-12pm : forms.office.com/r/kp9av0tg1R
1:30pm-3:30pm : forms.office.com/r/2pi1XkqkFb
5pm-7pm : forms.office.com/r/TkNvbuLfms

You won't want to miss out on this high-demand workshop; however, if you need to cancel your reservation please contact Emilie Ovenden ([email protected]) 48 hours in advance to allow others the opportunity.

Servicing and maintaining your hot water tank is important for efficiency, longevity, and safety. Here are some signs that your tank requires attention:

No Hot Water: A water heater that produces no hot water might not be getting power, might have a tripped limit switch, or might have one or more failed heating elements.

Inadequate Hot Water: If your water heater is producing hot water but not enough of it, the heater could be too small to meet the household’s hot water demand.

Water Leaking from the Heating Tank: Leaks are a sign your hot water heater is failing. You might see water dripping from the tank or pooling under the unit.

Age of the Water Heater: If your unit is old, be vigilant. Most companies apply a label with an installation date on it.

Running Out of Hot Water Quickly: If you haven’t flushed your hot water heater regularly or have a high volume of sediment in your water, those particles could settle in the tank.

Strange Noises: If you hear strange noises coming from the hot water heater, you’re probably hearing minerals or hard-water scale that’s accumulated inside the tank and broken off.

Thermostat Issues: If the water isn’t hot enough, the first thing to do is check the thermostat.

Sediment Buildup: Mineral build up inside the tank can keep the water from heating up properly.

Remember, while some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it’s always a good idea to have your hot water tank serviced by a professional regularly. They can provide a more thorough inspection and address any issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Sustainable materials are an important part of creating environmentally-friendly buildings and helping to combat climate change. From energy-efficient insulation to recycled steel and sustainable wood products, there are many options available for builders and architects looking to incorporate sustainable materials into their projects.

Recycled steel: Steel is one of the most widely used construction materials, and using recycled steel can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be used as a sustainable alternative to wood. It is also naturally resistant to pests and rot, making it a durable building material.

Straw bale: Straw bale construction uses bales of straw as a building material, which can be a sustainable and low-waste option. Straw bales are also a good insulator, making them energy-efficient.

Insulation made from recycled materials: Insulation made from recycled materials, such as recycled denim or recycled plastic bottles, can reduce waste and lower energy consumption in buildings.

Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint: Traditional paint can release harmful chemicals into the air, but low-VOC paint is made with fewer toxic chemicals and can improve indoor air quality.

Sustainable wood products: Sustainable wood products, such as FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood, are sourced from well-managed forests and can be a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wood products.

Not only do these materials have a lower environmental impact, they can also reduce waste and improve the overall sustainability of a building.

Long awaited details have finally arrived regarding the Fortis New Home Rebate Program! This new program and incentive structure will apply to all rebate applications submitted Jan 1, 2024 and onward if they meet all of the program's requirements. Fortis is in the process of updating their website, but in the meantime here is a summary of the changes below. We will be updating our processes in the coming weeks and will be following up with further engagement for your projects that are on track for Step 4 performance.

Mechanical System Requirements
3 available pathways available to builders:
• Furnace integrated with a heat pump, electric water heating
• Combination space and water heating system integrated with a heat pump
• Electric furnace, baseboards or heat pump, electric water heating (FortisBC Electric Service Area only)

Switchover Temperature Point for the dual-fuel systems
• Climate Zone 4: