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Consider that the world-renowned International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that there is a 90% chance that there will be more frequent heat spells and more severe weather. But wait, what does climate change mean to housing providers? Higher utility bills and maintenance costs! If those reputable predictions become a reality, climate change impacts will quickly become one of the most pressing issues facing our sector.

And then there is the opposition who question the IPCC’s assessment of climate change and who do not consider it to be as pressing an issue. After all, why should society spend billions of dollars to mitigate a threat that may not be as bad as predicted?

Whichever side of the coin you happen to be on, investing in renewable energy systems is something everyone can agree on. Renewable energy systems that harness sunlight, wind, and geothermal energy for electricity, space heating or water heating accomplish three important goals: reducing climate change impacts, saving drastically on utility bills, and increasing tenant comfort. In short, renewable systems will help modernize buildings and will turn social housing into more cost-efficient and attractive businesses.

In the past, cost has been considered a barrier, and yes, there certainly are upfront costs to installing renewable energy systems. Fortunately, the government’s new focus on renewables has led to numerous incentives and funding programs like SHRRP, ecoENERGY – Renewable Heat program, the Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive, and the Ontario Solar Energy Systems Rebate. The Micro Feed-In-Tariff program even gives providers an opportunity to add a new revenue stream by selling electricity generated with renewables. With all of the money out there ripe for the taking, there has never been a better time to get into the renewables game.

Before investing renewable energy it’s important to address any underlying energy efficiency and conservation issues in the building which will help maximize the economics of the system. Things like educating staff and tenants, and simple retrofits like air sealing around windows will make savings from renewable energy systems even greater.

GLOBE and SHSC have prepared a guide titled Strategically Planning Renewable Energy Projects for Social Housing to provide a short overview of the various renewable technology out there, what to consider when installing them, and some helpful questions and answers.