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Saskatchewan offers new
home rebate |
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The provincial government has announced a rebate of up to $2,400
for energy efficient new homes as part of Saskatchewan's Green Strategy. Environment Minister John Nilson said while it may cost more
initially to purchase an energy efficient home, long-term savings on
utilities make up the difference. The rebate, starting at $1,000 for buying
an Energy Star or R-2000 certified home, will be administered by SaskEnergy
on behalf of the government. Energy Star homes must meet certain design
criteria to maximize efficiency, while R-2000 homes are graded on a
performance-based scale focused on heating, durability and air quality. "I think that the building industry in Saskatchewan has
shown leadership across Canada for decades, and we have the chance to do that
again," Nilson said of the plan. The R-2000 program was developed in Saskatchewan more than 20
years ago, he said, and the Energy Star certification brings an updated
efficiency plan to provincial builders. "Our green strategy says that we, as citizens of
Saskatchewan, want to make the most efficient use of our energy," Nilson
said. The provincial energy efficient rebate for new homes starts at
$1,000 with the purchase of a certified house and moves up to a maximum of
$2,400. Here's how the rebate breaks down: - purchase of Energy Star or R-2000 certified home -- $1,000 - purchase and installation of a solar domestic hot water
heating system -- $1,000 - purchase and installation of a grey or drain water heat
recovery system -- $150 - purchase and installation of one to two qualifying natural gas
appliances, like ranges and clothes dryers -- $100 to $250 The future construction of power plants may be pushed back or
scrapped if enough energy is saved through programs like these, Nilson said.
Buying an Energy Star or R-2000 home may allow buyers to borrow more money
from the bank due to savings on utility bills, he added. Post-secondary
institutes and skilled tradespeople could also benefit from an interest in
energy efficient homes, he said, as specially trained workers or "green
technicians" are needed at some parts of construction. Alan Thomarat, executive vice-president of government relations
and research for the Canadian Home Builders' Association, said he expects to
see between 400 and 500 new Energy Star or R-2000 homes built in Saskatoon in
the next year. "The builders who come to us know our standards. They
willingly sign on, and they appreciate the need for environmental
stewardship," he said. "We expect that (the builders) are going to
build the best homes possible." There has been a growing demand for environmentally certified
homes in the past few years, said Ron Erikson, marketing sales manager for
North Ridge Homes. Fluctuating utility costs are becoming a burden on
homeowners and they're looking for a way to stabilize costs, he said. "The market became aware that their mortgage rates weren't
the only variable affecting their property," he said, noting now people
are taking a second look at Energy Star and R-2000 homes. "The good thing about it is that it's third-party
recognized and third-party certified, so regardless of the builder it's a
R-2000 or an Energy Star home. I don't think it's going to have an impact on the marketplace in
terms of sales, but I think it will have an impact on the decisions buyers
make." In addition to energy efficient appliances, homes eligible to
receive the rebate are built with specified plans and use specialized
materials to make them more environmentally friendly. Homeowners receive a
certificate from the federal government once their house is certified. The
rebate is available until March 31st 2008.
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