The ENERGY STAR program is under threat in the U.S., sparking concern north of the border. A recent CBC feature outlined how proposed cuts could ripple into Canada, jeopardizing appliance affordability and emissions goals.
At the same time, Canadian provinces are quietly pulling ahead, according to an article from The Atmospheric Fund titled “Canada Sprints Past the U.S. on Appliance Efficiency.” The article discusses how provinces like Ontario and B.C. are exceeding U.S. benchmarks in appliance standards.
Meanwhile, Canada faces its own pivotal climate decision in construction. A recent National Observer opinion piece quotes Efficiency Canada, urging policymakers to adopt the net-zero energy-ready standard, the highest tier in the national building code. With buildings already Canada’s third-largest source of emissions, every new home must be part of the climate solution. As the federal government moves forward with its housing agenda, this is the moment to ensure new builds don’t lock in decades of unnecessary carbon.
Policy vision remains key. As federal election candidates promoted large-scale energy corridors, an op-ed in the Toronto Star argued that Canada’s true competitive edge lies in coordination, electrification, and inclusive climate policies. From retrofitting homes to rethinking how we use energy, efficiency is a cornerstone of an affordable, low-carbon future.
In the U.S., the ACEEE and National Energy Codes Collaborative released a joint brief this month detailing how cities like Seattle and Atlanta are aligning building codes with performance standards. Their research highlights the importance of regular code updates and interdepartmental collaboration to accelerate smarter, more efficient construction.
In a recent op-ed in Le Devoir, experts in Canada highlighted how energy-smart residential planning, centred on electrification, emissions reductions, and efficiency, can boost resilience and lower household costs.
Watch The Atmospheric Fund’s Fatima Crerar as she presents A Day in the Life of a Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships. Fatima is a force behind cross-sector partnerships, bringing together industry, policymakers, and communities to accelerate low-carbon solutions across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
Regional updates and research
The 2025 Ontario Budget includes a $10.9 billion investment in energy efficiency over 12 years. The new Home Renovation Savings Program will offer rebates for upgrades like heat pumps, windows, and smart thermostats, aiming to save ratepayers $12.2 billion. The budget also expands Indigenous project financing to $3 billion and invests in skills training and clean infrastructure.
Learn more
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Manitoba, entered a partnership to retrofit homes and reduce heating bills using energy-efficient upgrades.
See the CityNews Story
In Toronto, 200 low-income households are switching from gas to heat pumps in a program co-funded by the city, led by researchers Nic Rivers and Blake Shaffer.
Learn more
The Yukon and British Columbia governments have agreed to collaborate on connecting their electrical grids. The agreement also outlines a joint working group to assess transmission opportunities and engage Indigenous partners.
Read the CBC story
Ally spotlight
A new initiative is helping aging condominium buildings access clean energy upgrades, tackling deferred maintenance and high emissions with tailored retrofit strategies.
Read the National Observer article
Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association have agreed on a plan to fast-track energy service connections in new homes, promoting better building performance from the start.
Read more
Sustainable Buildings Canada continues its national outreach, building momentum behind better codes by highlighting the importance of the National Energy Codes for Buildings and Homes.
Read more
A new energy consumption report breaks down how Canadian municipalities use energy, revealing key trends and opportunities for local governments to lead by example.
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Hydro‑Québec announced a $10 billion plan to supercharge energy efficiency and install 3,000 MW of solar capacity.
Learn more about the plan
A new commentary in the Globe and Mail urges Ottawa to follow British Columbia’s lead in accelerating big clean energy projects through streamlined regulatory processes.
Read the piece
EfficiencyOne’s latest Annual Report captures Nova Scotia’s energy efficiency efforts. The report highlights energy and cost savings, climate benefits, and stories from households and businesses driving change in their communities.
Read the report
Calls to action
Join Environmental Defence’s workshops to learn how to set up a successful meeting with your Member of Parliament (MP) and have your voice heard, right in your own neighbourhood. Meeting with your MP is a powerful way to build a relationship with an elected leader and bring your community’s voice to the table for government decisions that affect us all.
Wednesday, June 4th at 11am EST
Wednesday, June 4th at 2:30pm EST
Wednesday, June 4th at 11am EST
Help ensure Bill 17 protects efficiency and affordability. Ontario’s Bill 17 threatens green development standards and local urban planning. Read The Atmospheric Fund’s open letter and your name in support by Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 5pm.
Events across Canada
Efficiency Canada offers a regularly updated calendar of conferences, webinars, and professional development opportunities designed to support ongoing learning and engagement in the energy efficiency sector.