HALIFAX: Nova Scotia is a leader in fighting climate change and that work will continue.
That is why the province will spend nearly $18 million from the Green Fund to support youth internships, and energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
“The Green Fund is meant to help fight climate change in our province, and these projects will do that,” said Environment Minister Gordon Wilson.
Investments will include:
— $5.5 million over two years for the Solar Homes program, which offers rebates to homeowners installing solar panels
— $6.7 million over three years for the Affordable Multi-Family Housing program, which provides incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in affordable housing projects
— $3.5 million over three years for the Small Business and Not-For-Profit Energy Solutions program, which offers incentives for energy efficiency upgrades for small businesses and not-for-profits
— $2 million over five years for the Clean Leadership program, to allow youth interns to work on climate change projects across the province.
The investments in energy efficiency will save Nova Scotians approximately $1.8 million a year on their energy bills. Clean Foundation will be able to create an additional 175 youth internships.
“Helping Nova Scotians improve their energy efficiency and investing in skill development for our youth positions us to take advantage of the jobs and economic opportunities of a clean energy future,” said Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette.
Quick Facts:
— the Green Fund is collected through Nova Scotia’s cap-and-trade auctions, which were held twice in 2020
— the first two auctions generated $28.7 million for the Green Fund
— there is $9.2 million remaining in the Green Fund for future projects
— Nova Scotia committed $1.8 million in the 2020-21 budget for the start-up of the Green Fund and to support programs to prepare for climate change
— these programs will create approximately 192 jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 6000 tonnes each year.
Quotes:
“We are excited to expand our Clean Leadership program. This means we’ll be able to offer more internship opportunities for students and help develop the next generation of Nova Scotian leaders passionate about fighting climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”
– Scott Skinner, president and CEO, Clean Foundation
“This investment in energy efficiency comes at a time when Nova Scotians are looking for ways to save money and reduce their energy use and climate impact. Energy efficiency is the fastest and most cost-effective way for Nova Scotia to meet its climate change mitigation goals.”
– Stephen MacDonald, president and CEO, EfficiencyOne
Additional Resources:
Efficiency Nova Scotia: www.efficiencyns.ca
Clean Foundation: https://clean.ns.ca Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)
