Community Training
There is a lot of information to cover on energy efficiency, renewable energy, Step Codes, and rebates. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is committed to training the community, which includes residents, homeowners, builders, and contractors. In 2024 the RDOS is planning five major projects to ensure that RDOS residents and organizations have the knowledge and skills to deal with a changing world.
Building Energy Efficient Homes
In the spring of 2024, the RDOS hosted three learning brunch workshops on the topic of building energy efficient homes in Penticton, Okanagan Falls and Keremeos, funded through FortisBC’s Built Better initiative. The workshops went into depth on current building standards for Part 9 residential buildings and upcoming changes in the BC Energy Step Code and the BC Zero Carbon Step Code as the code transitions to Net Zero Ready homes in 2032. The workshops also covered what you need to know if you are shopping for an energy efficient home.
Creating an RDOS Climate Action Hub
The RDOS is in the process of creating a Climate Action Hub -- a website where RDOS residents can find all the information they need on energy, energy efficiency, and climate change. The hub will include easy-to-understand resources for the entire community along with RDOS activities and plans.
Home Retrofit Survey
The RDOS wants to build a program to support homeowners carrying out energy efficiency retrofits. The RDOS has carried out an online survey asking homeowners about their retrofit goals and frustrations. The RDOS will use this information to create an effective program that makes residential energy upgrades easier.
Energy Conservation Workshop for Municipal Partners, Hotels and Businesses
During the fall of 2024 the RDOS will host a workshop at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre specifically for small businesses, governments and NGOs on energy conservation. The conference will cover energy conservation steps appropriate to these organizations and targeted rebates and incentives. The RDOS will present local sustainability projects, both completed and in process, allowing attendees to learn from other’s experiences.
Community Energy Efficiency Forum
The RDOS intends to create an online forum where the regional community can meet to talk about energy efficiency and renewable energy. The forum will allow people to share their questions about energy efficiency upgrades and rebates as well as their experience carrying out projects from start to finish.
