CAEE Gold - Phase 4

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) received 16 applications for the Community Action on Energy Efficiency “Gold” round. In March 2007, ten communities were selected for CAEE Gold based on strong commitments to implement energy efficiency targets laid out in Energy Efficient Buildings: A Plan for BC for new and existing buildings and undertake new policy measures to achieve the targets in collaboration with MEMPR and the Ministry of Community Services.

Each community will be provided with a financial incentive of $50,000 to reflect the province-wide energy savings for new and/or existing buildings that will accrue as a result of their commitment. The District of Saanich and District of Squamish will receive $75,000 each to reflect their exemplary, comprehensive approach for advancing energy efficiency.

Communities chosen for CAEE Gold:


The Fraser Basin Council will administer these incentives on behalf of MEMPR. FBC contact: Jim Vanderwal, jvanderwal[at]fraserbasin.bc.ca, 604-488-5359)

It is noted that all communities are required to implement the following targets for local government funded, owned, managed or occupied buildings:

  • All new buildings must demonstrate energy performance that is 25% better than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (or EnerGuide 80 for residential); and,
  • 50% of existing building floor space must be retrofitted with energy efficiency improvements that provide simple paybacks of 7 years or less through energy savings.

In addition, all communities are required to participate in a working group with MEMPR, the Ministry of Community Services and the Office of Housing and Construction Standards to develop incentive and/or regulatory instruments that pertain to energy efficiency for buildings.

This builds upon three previous CAEE selections in 2005 and 2006. A total of 30 local governments are now participating in CAEE. This furthers the Energy Plan 2007 goal of having 50 local governments participating in CAEE by 2010 (see Policy Action #9[PDF])

Those communities that were unsuccessful in this CAEE Gold call will be approached to apply to an expanded CAEE program in the fall of 2007.

All participating CAEE communities, including those not selected for the CAEE Gold call, will be able to access the following services related to energy efficiency:

  • Customized advice on policy options to advance energy efficiency;
  • An energy efficiency policies manual and website (under development);
  • Opportunities for integration and coordination of efforts with industry, utilities and other local governments;
  • Opportunities for networking, including a policy seminar at UBCM 2007; and,
  • Community-specific information on energy efficiency programs for constituents: http://www.saveenergynow.ca

In addition, communities are encouraged to apply to the local government infrastructure planning grant to complete a community energy plan (next deadline in summer of 2007).

Communities are encouraged contact BC Hydro’s Power Smart program to develop further partnerships on energy efficiency, including cost-sharing, consumer incentives and technical support under the following programs: New Homes, Partners, Higher Performance Buildings, Product Incentive and others.

Local governments are eligible for the Green Municipal Funds to complete feasibility studies, field tests and sustainable community plans.

Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM
Manager - Energy Efficiency and Community Energy Solutions
Email: Andrew.PapeSalmon[at]gov.bc.ca
Tel: 250-952-0819

This initiative is supported by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR), Ministry of Environment (MOE), and Ministry of Community Services (MCS), the Fraser Basin Council, Community Energy Association, BC Hydro, Terasen Gas and FortisBC and the Union of BC Municipalities.

Municipal Invitation: February 2007 - Phase 4 [PDF 290KB]