As the country comes out of a cold swing, finding ways to reduce energy bills this winter is top of mind. With the Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards becoming an annual event, businesses, entrepreneurs and students across the country have more ways to show Canadians new and innovative ways to make their homes eco-friendly. With awards totaling $75,000, submissions for these national awards are now being accepted at www.ecoliving.scotiabank.com/awards until March 15, 2014.
“The Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards showcase outstanding leaders in home energy efficiency. If you have a great idea or solution, we want to hear from you,” said Kaz Flinn, Scotiabank’s Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility. “We know that Canadian homeowners are likely to consider making their home more energy efficient or environmentally friendly with renovations. These awards bring forward new and innovative ideas.”
Some solutions developed by last year’s winners include: small-scale, fully independent homes that added urban density while preserving existing homes, created by Vancouver’s Lanefab Design/Build; a web and mobile application that enabled Ontarians with smart meters to track and compare their energy use for free, built by Toronto’s Quinzee; and a prototype for a compact and efficient apartment complex created by University of Manitoba graduate Benjamin Gillies.
The Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards recognize winners in three categories:
• Business Leadership ($50,000)—a business or individual who is leading the way in home energy-efficiency products, services or solutions. This category is focused primarily on executing a proven idea or program.
• Innovators ($15,000)—a business or individual demonstrating innovation in home energy-efficient products, services and solutions. Focused on introducing exciting new ideas for products or programs.
• Student Leadership ($10,000)—a full-time college or university student who demonstrates promise for the future of home energy conservation.
Winners are selected by an independent judging panel, which includes: Valérie Bécaert, Executive Director, Interuniversity Research Centre for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services (CIRAIG); John Godden, Founder and Board Director, Sustainable Housing Foundation and Principal at Clearsphere; Shawn McCarthy, Energy Reporter, The Globe and Mail; Mark Salerno, Manager, Ontario Communications and Marketing Centre, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and Ed Whittingham, Executive Director, Pembina Institute.
More information about the awards, including submission forms, key dates, eligibility, judging criterion, are available on Scotiabank’s EcoLiving website at www.ecoliving.scotiabank.com/awards.
Scotiabank’s EcoLiving, which launched in 2010, is a unique program focused on educating Canadians on the shared benefits of home energy efficiency and green home improvements. With its emphasis on demonstrating how people can save money by saving energy, and at the same time reduce their impact on climate change, Scotiabank’s EcoLiving program communicates the advantages of energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The EcoLiving website includes a financial calculator and information on government rebates, which allow users to plan and finance their projects and see the savings that can result from environmentally friendly renovations. As energy prices continue to increase and residential energy efficiency continues to be a factor in renovation trends, EcoLiving is a resource that provides users with the tools to make informed decisions.