About the Program
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Treaties, Land and Environment Department, with the London Environmental Network, have partnered to help residents save money and reduce their GHG emissions, while providing a demonstration project for the community to learn about clean energy technologies.
We have retrofitted 1 home on COTTFN territory through improving energy efficiency with upgrades that eliminate the use of propane in the home. These upgrades include increased insulation, new windows and doors, electric heating and cooling system, electric hot water system, efficient appliances, and a solar array.
The updates were completed in September 2022. We also hosted a Home Retrofit Webinar Series in mid September to go over the various upgrades and learn about the process. You can watch the webinar series here.
Using utility data from before and after the retrofit, the emissions of the building were reduced by 94%, saving the homeowner $2,225 / year. The full report can be found below.
For more information, email [email protected]
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Program
Webinars:
Webinar One: Retrofit 101 What is a sustainable retrofit? Net-zero ready? Guest Speaker Lynne Strickland from The Canadian Home Builders Association
Resources:
- Link to webinar on Youtube
- Home Sustainability Guide Book
- Browse financial & retrofit resources
- If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- CMBA Renovator’s Guidebook
- Why go for net zero: Video
Webinar Two: Building Envelope; All about air sealing + insulation, Windows and Doors Guest Speakers Kai Millyard from Green Communities Canada, and Steve Sponseller & Stephen Kenny from Net Zero Insulation
Resources:
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Link to the webinar on Youtube
- Home Sustainability Guide Book: view pages 2-20 for information on energy efficiency upgrades & retrofits
- Browse financial & retrofit resources
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If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- Chippewa of The Thames First Nation & London Environmental Network Pilot Project to Net Zero Ready- Interior & Exterior Insulation Upgrades Video
- Net Zero Insulation
- Green Communities Canada
- DIY draft proofing video
Webinar Three: Building Envelope; All about air sealing + insulation, Windows and Doors Guest Speakers Kai Millyard from Green Communities Canada, and Steve Sponseller & Stephen Kenny from Net Zero Insulation
Resources:
- Link to the webinar on Youtube
- Home Sustainability Guide Book: view pages 2-20 for information on energy efficiency upgrades & retrofits
- ZUBA Air Source Heat Pump Models
- Browse financial & retrofit resources
- If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- Chippewa of The Thames First Nation & London Environmental Network Pilot Project to Net Zero Ready HVAC & water heater installation Video
- Companies that do heat pumps & geothermal locally:
- Design Systems for geothermal
Webinar Four: All About Energy Loads, Appliances & Solar Renewable Energy - How it Can Make Your Home More Sustainable and Resilient
Resources:
- Link to webinar on Youtube
- Home Sustainability Guide Book
- If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- Save On Energy - Build Your Energy Action Plan
- Info on the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program
- Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program
- For more info on German Solar Corporation
Webinar Five: Managing Your Water Conservation, Waste and Green Space
Resources:
- Link to webinar on Youtube
- Home Sustainability Guide Book
- If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- Video: Explaining the Circular Economy and How Society Can Re-think Progress
- Environmental Action Incubator Program details
- The Wormery - The Grove at Western Fair District, Wormery Store
- Indigenous plant nursery with native plants, located in Sarnia https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053209253736
- Heeman's Garden Centre
Webinar Six: Tools To Help You on Your Retrofit Journey: Project Neutral and Greener Homes London Resources
Resources:
- Link to webinar on Youtube
- If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved in the environmental community
- Project Neutral Carbon Footprint Calculator
- Greener Homes London:
- Webinars: Your Guide to Solar Energy for your Home, Your Guide to Heat Pumps for your Home, Greening your Backyard, Winterizing Your Home and Sustainable Home Finishes.
- Improvement Projects: Retrofit Home Walk Through, Improving Environmental Impact and Sustainable Improvements Home Tour
- Incentive Programs:
Capacity Building & Mentorship Opportunities
- Staff mentorship and training in residential sustainability programming and community outreach
- Community, youth and trades education and skills training in sustainable retrofit technology and building science.
- Demonstration and pilot project of a (near) net zero retrofit
- Online webinars to share with other remote communities
- Next steps plan development for community residential energy efficiency program delivery,
- Professional case studies, mail outs and storytelling
If you'd like to read up on how to make your home more sustainable, download this free Sustainability Guide.
Project Partners: