The District of Central Saanich has shown its leadership in energy efficiency by signing up to be a pilot community in the provincial Community Action on Energy Efficiency (CAEE) initiative. Through MEMPR’s CAEE program, pilot communities are focusing on advancing energy efficiency through municipal policies and bylaws - read the Local Government Policy Instruments Initiative program for more details.

Central Saanich joined CAEE in March 2006 as part of Phase 2 of the initiative. In March 2007 the District was invited to take part in Phase 4 - CAEE Gold.

Targets Endorsed for Private Buildings - CAEE Gold

Key Policy Measures Proposed - CAEE Gold

• Implement OCP amendments, bylaws, policies, incentives, public education and other mechanisms

As part of Phase 2, Central Saanich:

• Investigated the potential for requiring building labelling. The District is currently working with a developer of a new subdivision as a pilot project for this;
• Developed energy efficiency language for the Official Community Plan (OCP);
• Designed an energy efficiency checklist for residential development.

During the ESP incentive pilot that was conducted March 2006 - March 2007, community members had access to provincial grants for energy efficient retrofits to single and row housing, multi-unit residential buildings, affordable housing and small commercial buildings.