Nova Scotia's energy efficiency ranking plummets as fossil fuels dominate
- The 2024 Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard shows Nova Scotia dropped to the fifth position from second place in 2022.
- Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick outperformed Nova Scotia, with P.E.I. tying for second place and New Brunswick moving to fourth.
- Nova Scotia is urged to improve its energy efficiency policies and standards for buildings to regain its competitive standing.
In a recent evaluation by Efficiency Canada, Nova Scotia’s position in energy efficiency rankings has significantly declined. The province, once a leader, was ranked second in 2022 but has now fallen to the fifth position in the 2024 Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The assessment, which covers data from January to June 2023, highlights the strong performance of neighboring provinces such as Prince Edward Island, which ties with Quebec in second place, and New Brunswick, which has moved up to fourth. British Columbia maintains a solid lead, holding first place in this year's report. Brendan Haley, policy director at Efficiency Canada, emphasizes the importance of addressing energy efficiency for maritime provinces like Nova Scotia, as they continue to heavily depend on expensive fossil fuels. This reliance contributes to increased costs for both households and businesses. Although Nova Scotia's energy efficiency programs have been role models for other regions, recent improvements in P.E.I. and New Brunswick showcase their higher levels of efficiency and support, particularly for low-to-moderate income households. The study points out that Nova Scotia has initiated some advancements by adopting improved building codes; however, it still lags behind its neighbors in implementing comprehensive energy efficiency measures. Efficiency Canada urges the province to establish stringent requirements for large commercial and residential buildings regarding energy and emissions performance. This call to action aims to enhance the overall energy efficiency landscape and mitigate reliance on fossil fuels, fostering a more sustainable future. With ongoing challenges and competition in energy efficiency across Canadian provinces, Nova Scotia's recent scorecard drop serves as a wake-up call. It emphasizes the need for strategic improvements and robust policies to regain its leadership status and address the energy efficiency gap that has emerged in recent years.