“In Alberta, energy-efficient appliances and electronics are growing in popularity but there is still significant room for improvement,” says John Rilett, director of energy efficiency and conservation, Climate Change Central. “We have a lot of work to do. Some home builders are at the forefront and energy-efficient appliances are standard for them. There are many who don’t know. They are many who may not be aware.”

Launched in 2000, Climate Change Central is a public-private, not-for-profit organization. In 1999, the Alberta govern­ment brought private and public sector leaders together to find an effective way to manage climate change challenges in the province. The organization, which has offices in Calgary and Edmonton, focuses on reducing green-house gases through policy, energy efficiency, technology development, and environmental communications.

Climate Change Central has energy efficiency tip sheets, which consumers can take with them to the store. Rilett says “the washing machine is leading the way … Most consumers aren’t looking for a top loading machine ... In electronics, most are looking at TVs and computers that are ENERGY STAR.”

What exactly is ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR is the international symbol of energy efficiency that assists consumers in identifying home appliances and energy-using equipment that save energy. In Canada, ENERGY STAR is administered by Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency, which has voluntary arrangements with organizations that build, manufacture, sell or promote products or new homes that meet its energy performance levels.

While Canada’s EnerGuide Program complements the energy efficiency initiative. For consumers, EnerGuide compares the energy efficiency of different models of household appliances or heating and cooling products sold in Canada. If you see an ENERGY STAR on an EnerGuide label, the product is considered among the most energy efficient.

On appliance manufacturer websites, you can also research their available energy efficient products. Trail Appliances, which has stores in Calgary and Edmonton, provides excellent links to the diverse manu­facturers it carries. Recently, Condo Living asked several manufacturers, such as Kenmore and Miele, about their latest energy efficient appliances on the market. Here’s what they said:

“Kenmore Elite HE(5t) Steam washer and HE(3t) Steam washer compared to a conventional washer manufactured before 2004, using the Normal cycle, saves 73 per cent water and 77 per cent energy.”

Miele MasterCool Refrigeration Collection “is ENERGY STAR compliant and its dual pro-cessor system helps make the system as energy efficient as possible. MasterCool saves the greens while being green—all at the same time.”

For energy efficiency, Rilett says refrigerators overall are one of the most improved appliances, while PVR videos and plasma TVs, relatively new products, lag behind. Besides the substantial savings from a front-load washer, which can also reduce dryer time, Rilett gives the example of furnaces. Switching from a standard, mid-efficiency furnace to an ENERGY STAR furnace can save 15 to 20 per cent. “Then you can just take your natural gas bill and subtract 15 to 20 per cent from it,” he says.

While consumers are becoming more aware, he says, energy efficiency is relatively low on their shopping list criteria, which usually considers first appliance size, colour and features. “In retail, ENERGY STAR and energy ratings should be designed to find, easy-to-see. We need to get better at it. It needs to be part of the decision-making process.”

There are a few key ways consumers can be more energy-efficient, Rilett suggests. “Use energy wisely as a start ... Don’t use energy where you don’t need it.”

“Turn down the thermostat. Become a more aware educated consumer. Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs is one of the easiest ways. All you have to do is screw in a lightbulb.” “Then consumers (can make) larger choices like energy efficient appliances. Almost every manufacturer has products that meet the ENERGY STAR standard.” 

WEBSITES
www.climatechangecentral.com
Climate Change Central
oee.nrcan.gc.ca - Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency
www.trail-appliances.com
Trail Appliances
www.miele.ca - Miele
www.sears.ca - Kenmore

More Greening Tips
What other energy-efficient choices can you make in your home? Climate Change Central offers these green design tips:

Greening from Above
Instal dimmers, sensors, timers and compact fluorescent lights(CFL). CFLs use 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last ten times longer.

Greening from Below
Select natural linoleums, biodegradeable wool carpets and cork or bamboo woods. Bamboo is the fastest growing, land-based plant on earth. Unlike hard woods that need to be replanted and have a typical growth period of 50 to 100 years, bamboo grows back from its roots and can be harvested within five years.

Greening from Around
Increase your home’s energy efficiency by adding insulation and sealing off leaks. Look for paints with built-in insulators and install double-glazed and low-E windows, cover panes in heat-shrinkable plastic. Incorporate layered window treatments and use double-sided tape to anchor fabrics to frames.

Greening from Within
Select recycled and refurbished items made from renewable wood sources and fabrics made from untreated, non-dyed and organic fibers. Purchase low-flow showerheads and aerator faucets.
There is an array of green decorating products out there. To ensure that your design efforts have a positive impact on not only your home, but also the environment and your wallet, look for products with an ENERGY STAR, EnerGuide and EcoLogoM label.
Source: Climate Change Central