Regional District of Nanaimo

The Regional District of Nanaimo 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.

Nanaimo joined CAEE in October 2006 as part of Phase 3 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

Building Sector Energy Efficiency Target
New single family and row house residential buildings Achieve an EnerGuide for New Houses rating of 80 by 2010, reducing average energy consumption in new homes by 32%.
New multi-unit residential buildings Achieve energy performance of 25% better than Model National Energy Code for Building by 2010, reducing average energy consumption by 37%.
Existing single family and row house residential buildings Reduce the energy consumption in 12% of existing buildings by an average of 17% by 2010.
Existing multi-unit residential buildings Reduce the energy consumption in 16% of existing buildings by an average of 9% by 2010.
New industrial, commercial and institutional buildings Achieve energy performance 25% better than Model National Energy Code for Building by 2010 and reduce the average energy consumption by 20%.
Existing industrial, commercial and institutional buildings Reduce the energy consumption in 20% of existing buildings by an average of 14% by 2010.

Key Policy Measures Proposed - CAEE Gold

  • Developing partnerships with member municipalities (Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Lantzville) industry associations, utilities, others
  • Providing incentives for green buildings – expedited permitting system, lower fees, density bonusing


As part of CAEE Phase 2, the Regional District of Nanaimo began the development of a community greenhouse gas and air emissions management plan, and implemented energy efficiency building policies and tools.