Salt Spring Island Trust

Salt Spring Island Trust 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.

Salt Spring Island joined CAEE in March 2006 as part of Phase 2 of the initiative. In March 2007 SSI Trust 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%.
Existing single family and row house residential buildings Reduce the energy consumption in 12% of existing buildings by an average of 17% by 2010.

Key Policy Measures Proposed - CAEE Gold

  • Establish a “density bonus” regulation under the Island Trust zoning bylaw that would permit a larger residential building size if constructed with higher energy performance standards


As part of CAEE Phase 2, Salt Spring Island:

  • Included energy efficiency objectives in the Official Community Plan (OCP) which is currently under review;
  • Revising development permit area guidelines for energy efficiency measures;
  • Explored ways to require building labeling;
  • Increased density/mixed use in Ganges Village;
  • Organized outreach efforts to citizens.


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.

In the News: Vancouver and Salt Spring Island Recognized for Energy Efficiency Leadership