Ontario’s Green Energy Act

Ontario’s Green Energy Act (GEA), and related amendments to other legislation, received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009. Work is now underway across government to develop the regulations and other tools needed to fully implement the legislation. As these are developed, the various schedules and other elements making up the GEA will be proclaimed. Check this website periodically for updates.

Read it here from the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, July 14, 2009

Urban Clean Energy - Portland Takes a Page from Vancouver

Portland has tabled some innovative changes that would make it easier to generate clean energy in urban neighborhoods. The "Green Bundle". The changes include measures to make it easier to install solar panels and green roofs, rain barrels, and even small-scale wind power. The more we do to promote small-scale, local green power, the less we are dependent on large, expensive central power plants.

Read it here from Worldchanging.com, July 14, 2009

How Green Do You Think You Are?

I think, therefore I am. Except, it appears, when it comes to green. A recent study by Cossette Communications and Summerhill Group indicates that Canadians think they are 20% greener, on average, than their behaviour would suggest. The key, they conclude, is to make things easy and convenient, and well-communicated incentives can help.

Read it here from Marketing, July 13, 2009

Cool Green Idea

Here's a very cool way to reduce energy consumption during peak periods in the summer. The "Ice Bear" uses off-peak energy to freeze large blocks of ice, which then cools the air conditioning during the peak periods in the day. It uses 95% less energy during peak periods than a conventional air conditioning unit. The more peak demand is reduced, the less new energy generation needs to be built.


Read it here from the Globe and Mail, July 8, 2009