Community Emissions
Whether you want to insulate your house, carpool with a neighbour, eat locally, or install solar panels on your roof, here is an emissions-reduction pathway to help you prioritize your actions for every budget.
Emissions Reduction Hierarchy
Reduce – (low-cost behaviour changes): Turn off lights/electronics, set the thermostat higher or lower (summer/ winter), use cold water for laundry, reduce non-essential journeys, air-dry clothes, use blinds to keep out summer heat.
Improve – (make existing systems more efficient): Upgrade insulation, install energy-efficient windows or weatherstripping, use LED lights (programs that offer free ones), or choose ENERGY STAR appliances.
Switch – (change to lower-emission energy sources): Replacing a gas stove with an electric induction stove/ hot plates, a gas furnace with a cold-weather heat pump. When you buy a new car, go hybrid at a minimum.
Generate - (produce your own clean energy/community-scale access): install rooftop solar panels and solar hot water systems, support or join shared community renewable energy projects.
Offset - (compensate for emissions you can’t eliminate/low-cost ways to contribute): Invest in certified carbon offset programs, support regional environmental restoration projects, and participate in community tree planting or other conservation activities.
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