It’s Spring! Days are getting longer, birds are chirping. We are drawn to the outdoors, to the fresh air and sunshine that we missed during those long winter months.

Spring is traditionally associated with hope, growth, renewal. So what better time to show our commitment to sustainability? We all rely on stable and affordable energy, clean air and water, safe products and healthy food. But there are costs to the ways that we produce, use and dispose of these resources. The price is high, not only financially, but socially and ecologically as well.

So, what can we do?
The Social Housing sector can demonstrate leadership, not only by introducing technical improvements to buildings, but also by adopting sustainable practices and habits.

One such easy choice? Join GLOBE and SHSC as we participate in Earth Hour.

On March 27th, at 8:30 pm, turn off all of your building’s non-essential lighting and electronics. It’s not about sitting in the dark! Its’ about re-thinking how we use (and waste) energy.

Last year, 52% of adult Canadians participated in Earth Hour. Let’s show off our sector’s commitment: engage your staff and residents to participate in Earth Hour too. Then challenge them to join you in doing even more throughout the year!

1. Be energy and water efficient. When you use water and energy, use it well. Fix leaks. Insulate. Use efficient appliances, lighting and equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol: you’ll know your using models that are best-in-class. Contact SHSC Customer Care to learn more about how you can access incentive funding for energy saving projects.
2. Recycle, reduce and reuse as much as possible. Reduce the amount that you send to landfill. Recycling saves a lot of energy needed to extract, process, transport and make new materials and products. Recycle 100% of your glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper and compost organic waste if possible.
3. Unplug: Electrical devices draw energy, even when they are switched off. If you want to make sure you are not unknowingly feeding these “energy vampires”, unplug them when not in use, or use a power bar to easily turned them on and off with the flick of a switch.
4. Get an Energy Audit – and act on it! Chances are, your building wastes a lot of energy, and money. An audit will show you how your building uses (and wastes) energy and will identify potential improvements. Making those improvements could result in thousands of dollars in energy savings each year – not too mention a large reduction in your carbon footprint. Plus, many of the energy-saving upgrades qualify for incentives.

To learn more about how you can access incentive funding for energy savings projects, or how to get and prepare for an energy audit contact SHSC Customer Care at 1.877.733.7472 or email customercare@shcorp.ca

Be sure to also check out the GLOBE Sustainable Landscaping for Healthy Communities where you can find practical information about green roofs, fertilizers, pest control, soil health, irrigation, and design.