S2 |Rewind Design| E14 Georgian Bay Biosphere - Mnidoo Gamii, Green Energy with Benjamin John
Benjamin John
Climate & Energy Programs Manager
Ben first joined the Biosphere in 2019 and after a period working in B.C. as a Corporate Energy & Emissions Specialist, he rejoined the team in 2022. Ben applies his passion for climate action through work with the Integrated Communities Energy & Climate Action Plans partnership. Ben holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Sustainable Business (Wilfrid Laurier) and Master’s of Resource & Environmental Management (Dalhousie). Outside of work you can find Ben fishing, golfing, playing hockey, or exploring Georgian Bay!
Today’s episode of the Rewind Design Podcast is being brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
Welcome to Episode 14 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the Cottage Country.
In today's episode of the Rewind Design podcast we take a deep dive into sustainable energy solutions for cottage country with special guest Benjamin John, Climate and Energy Programs Manager at the Georgian Bay Biosphere.
Join us as we discuss the importance of energy audits, the impact of building materials, and the role of townships in promoting energy efficiency. Whether you're a homeowner or a cottage enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips and expert advice to help you make informed decisions for a more sustainable lifestyle.
IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Explore the various types of green energy, from solar to wind power, and discover practical ways to reduce your energy bills.
Learn about the benefits of switching to LED lighting, installing energy-efficient appliances, and utilizing government energy-saving programs.
Benjamin shares insights on the latest in cold climate air source heat pumps and the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology.
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
Questions for Ben!
What is your name and your position in the biosphere?
Ben first joined the Georgian Bay Biosphere in 2019. After a period working in the municipal sector as a Corporate Energy & Emissions Specialist, he later rejoined the team in 2022as the Biosphere’s Climate & Energy Programs Manager. In his role, Ben supports residents, municipal governments, and First Nations in the ICECAP partnership with managing energy and the risks associated with climate change.
GBB Team!
Ontario's cottage country is becoming a hub for green energy solutions, promoting sustainability. Many cottages use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. Wind turbines generate power in open areas, while hydroelectric systems harness energy from lakes and rivers.
What is energy efficiency + what are ways to make your home more energy efficient?
Energy efficiency is often confused with energy conservation. It’s important to understand the difference between the two because they are complementary strategies that can help people use less energy in their homes and reduce their energy costs.
Energy efficiency is achieved when less energy is used to complete a task or result. For example, let’s say you need to have a light on for 3 hours. Energy efficiency can be achieved when you replace the lightbulb with a model that uses less electricity over those 3 hours. As a result, energy efficiency often costs some money upfront because you are purchasing a replacement product. Over time however, the money saved through energy efficiency often ends up being more than the extra cost of the energy efficient product compared to its standard alternative.
Energy conservation on the other hand is achieved when the use of energy can be avoided altogether. Using the previous example, energy can be conserved if you only need to use that light for 2 hours, rather than 3. Hanging laundry to dry on a clothes line rather than running a dryer is another great example of this. Because these efforts are behavioural changes, energy conservation can be completed at no cost. Together, energy conservation and energy efficiency complement each other to reduce energy and costs in homes.
There are many ways in which homes can become more efficient. Each home is different though, so it’s also really important to understand what the best option for your home is. Some common examples of ways people make their homes more energy efficient include:
LED lighting
Energy Star appliances
Better insulation
Installing a heat pump
Airtight construction (weather stripping, windows, doors, walls, etc.)
Using smart technologies (Smart thermostats, power bars, plugs, etc.)
Low flow faucets and toilets
GBB + the Archipelago
The Georgian Bay Biosphere and the Township of the Archipelago share a vital partnership aimed at preserving the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region. This collaboration promotes sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. By working together, they aim to balance ecological protection with economic development, ensuring that the area’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes can be enjoyed by future generations.
Can you speak to the importance of sustainable design when building or renovating including the following
Sustainable design is important because it can reduce the amount of energy your home or cottage needs to use in the first place. How you orient a building’s windows and doors in relation to the sun for example can have a major impact on how much energy you will need to use to heat or cool the building. Known as solar gain, the sun naturally heats spaces and objects. During the design phase you can therefore orient a building to use or minimize this natural heat. In a seasonal cottage for example, you might wish to minimize solar gain in order to naturally keep your cottage cooler without the need for air-conditioning, whereas in year-round homes you might wish to maximize solar gain to naturally heat your home in the winter and reduce the demand on your home’s heating system. Of course there’s a fine balance to this. Each building is going to be different and each homeowner has their own preferred levels of thermal comfort, which is why it’s so important to go through this process during the design phase.
Understanding the orientation of your home or cottage and solar gain is also really important for achieving a net-zero home. By definition, a net-zero home produces as much energy as it consumes. Therefore, if you’re able to design a home to have a reduced energy demand in the first place, you’re that much closer to being net-zero. It means that the energy you need to produce to reach net-zero is likely going to be less.
Sustainable design also enables homes and cottages to have lower levels of embodied carbon, which refers to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are created during the manufacturing of building materials, transport to the job site, and the construction practices used. In other words, it’s the amount of GHG emissions that have gone into the construction of a building before it comes operational, where-as net-zero refers to the ongoing operations of the building. During the design phase, homeowners can influence the amount of embodied carbon in a building based on the materials used during construction and where they are being sourced from. For example, concrete has a much higher carbon footprint as compared to wood, and sourcing materials locally results in a lower transportation impact.
Ben + the Team!
ICECAP (Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans) represents a vital initiative aimed at combatting climate change in the region. In collaboration with GBB, area Councils and their communities are actively engaged in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while enhancing resilience to the impacts of a changing climate. Through tailored strategies and community-driven efforts, ICECAP empowers local stakeholders to implement effective mitigation measures and adapt to evolving environmental challenges, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
What are different ways cottagers can incorporate clean energy sources with new builds or renovations?
When we refer to “clean” energy sources, we are often referring to renewable energy sources because they produce no greenhouse gas emissions during the generation of consumable energy. Some common sources of renewable energy you will find in residential builds and renovations are things like solar, geothermal (including lake loops), and sometimes wind or micro-hydro. These systems have many benefits, with reduced energy costs and improved resilience being the big ones.
Before installing a renewable energy system it’s important to understand what the best option is for your home or cottage, because there are many factors that can influence installation costs. For example, if there are obstructions impeding sunlight to a solar installation, more panels may need to be installed to generate enough energy to meet your needs. If you’re considering geothermal, drilling through bedrock as compared to soil can make the installation more costly. A professional can help you with siting and sizing your renewable energy system and understanding what the best option is for your home or cottage.
I always encourage people to crunch the numbers on these types of systems too. Along with the installation quotes you’ve received, look at how much money the system is expected to save you each month on energy costs. These two numbers can give you a rough estimate on how long it will take for the system to pay for itself, or its return on investment. If you’re able to get money from some of the funding programs that are out there too, this return on investment will be even faster.
Ben and the State of the Bay!
The GBB State of the Bay presents a comprehensive overview of the current environmental, economic, and social conditions affecting the Georgian Bay area. This insightful report highlights key findings and trends, providing valuable information for stakeholders and communities alike. By examining the intricate interplay between natural ecosystems and human activity, it serves as a crucial resource for future planning and sustainability efforts.
Municipal codes for sustainable design + development
In Canada, Provinces and Territories regulate the design and construction of new buildings. In the Ontario Building Code, there are requirements for how energy efficient a building must be. These requirements include specifications for the required thickness of insulation, maximum number and size of windows, and how efficient new mechanical systems must be, for example.
Elsewhere in Canada, there are interesting examples of how municipalities are improving the energy efficiency of their building stock through these policy mechanisms. British Columbia’s Energy Step Code, for example, is a voluntary provincial standard that municipalities can adopt into their bylaws and policies to achieve more energy efficient buildings that go beyond the requirements of the province’s base building code. It does so by applying an incremental, performance-based approach where energy efficiency targets (compared to a reference house) increase over time. It does not specify how to construct a building, but instead enables the designer/builder to decide on how best to meet the target.
Around the world, these types of energy codes are being recognized as one of the most cost-effective tools for achieving and improving energy efficiency in buildings. In recognition of this, Canada has committed to developing a Net-Zero Emissions Model Building Code, with energy efficiency being a cornerstone of this policy. Since provincial and territorial governments have legislative authority over building design and construction within their jurisdictions, they would have the ability to adopt or adapt this code in order for it to come into effect.
Although this policy development occurs at the federal and provincial level, its application ultimately lands at the local level. Municipalities can therefore monitor the design and development of these policies to understand what it means for their communities and processes. Staying informed and learning of the efforts happening in other jurisdictions, such as those with Energy Step Code in BC, can offer lessons-learned that make the transition to these requirements smoother and more efficient. Being proactive through these monitoring and engagement efforts can help municipalities better prepare if or when compliance enforcement associated with these policies come into effect.
EV! (Electric Vehicle)
Electric vehicles (EVs) are an innovative solution for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. With advancements in battery technology and an expanding charging infrastructure, EVs offer drivers convenience without sacrificing performance. As governments and consumers increasingly prioritise eco-friendly options, the shift towards electric mobility is gaining momentum across the globe.
What are some rebates that Ontario offers to home owners?
In Ontario there are many funding programs that homeowners can access to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These funding programs are often directed towards a permanent residence, making cottages ineligible for funding. If you’re looking at accessing funding it’s really important to fully read and understand the requirements to ensure you are eligible. If you’re not sure, you can contact these programs directly for added clarity.
Net-metering isn’t necessarily a funding program, but it is a way that grid-connected renewable energy systems can further reduce energy costs. Net-metering allows homeowners to send excess generated electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits. These credits can be applied to future utility bills in months where you consume more electricity than your system produced. Before investing in or making arrangements for a renewable energy system for net-metering purposes you will need to contact your utility to confirm that you’re eligible and that the newable energy system can be connected to the grid. Net-metering requires a formal agreement with your utility, so this is a necessary step and consideration.
At the federal level there are a few funding programs that can be accessed for these types of projects. The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program helps income-eligible homeowners who are currently heating their homes with oil to transition to eligible heat pump systems. The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers an interest-free loan, repayable over 10 years, to help finance the following energy efficiency projects:
Home insulation
Air sealing
Windows and doors
Smart thermostat
Space and water heating
Renewable energy systems
Resiliency measures
There are also other energy efficiency funding programs in Ontario, including but not limited to:
Energy Affordability Program
Peak Perks
THANK YOU BEN!
What a pleasure it was to meet and interview you!
Today’s episode was brought to you by the ThinkBoyd Real Estate Team. The Team of Nicole and Geoff believe that buying or selling real estate is more than just a transaction – it’s a connection that should feel like working with family. For their local perspective and sage advice, If you’re thinking of buying or selling, think Boyd. Part of Royal LePage Team Advantage, Realty Brokerage Inc. Think Boyd Real Estate Team.
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