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By Katlyn Eriksen

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Cutting carbon emissions can be easy and accessible to Kamloops residents

Oct 30, 2024 | 3:02 PM

“JUST UNDER TWO-IN-FIVE British Columbians think the introduction of the carbon tax has led people to be more mindful of their carbon consumption and change their behaviour”, a new ResearchCo Poll finds. Yet, at the same time, more than 52 per cent of British Columbians think that if the federal government scraps the federal consumer carbon tax after the next general election, then the province’s carbon tax should also be abolished. Indeed, as prices for staples like housing, groceries and fuel have risen over the past few years, not all B.C. and Kamloops residents are willing or in the position to pay extra tax — even if it’s an effective way to cut carbon. But, fortunately, although the fate of the carbon tax has yet to be decided, there are still simple and affordable home upgrades people can make to save money and lower their carbon footprints at the same time.

Cost of living a top priority, but doesn’t eclipse climate change

As many Kamloops residents are worried about the cost of living — which is 5 per cent higher in Kamloops than the national average — the added expense of the carbon tax has steadily fallen out of favour. This year, the carbon tax increased by an extra 17.6 cents added onto a litre of gas. And 63 per cent of British Columbians also say the carbon tax has negatively impacted their finances, the ResearchCo Poll reveals. Yet, at the same time, 44 per cent of British Columbians think everyone should do “much more” to prevent climate change, while 31 per cent think the community has to do “a bit more” to deal with the problem. So, for Canadians who do want to lighten their carbon footprints, there are numerous easy and affordable ways to do so.

Energy-efficient home upgrades

Every Kamloops household that switches to cold-water washing can save up to 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. This is because around 90 per cent of the energy used by washing machines goes toward heating the water. Simply reduce the wash-cycle temperature — ideally to 30 degrees or lower — to eliminate this unnecessary energy use and lower energy bills. Plus, residents ready to make a larger investment can also consider a switch to ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines. These cut energy use by 25 per cent and water use by 33 per cent compared to standard models. Around $550 in energy costs are therefore saved over the machine’s lifetime.

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Natural lighting central to sustainable Kamloops homes

Kamloops residents can also rely on natural lighting where possible as a cheap and easy way to reduce the energy-intensive use of artificial lighting. “Optimising natural light usage in buildings can cut energy consumption by up to 40%”, explains Armelle Le Bihan, CEO of Green Building Consulting and Engineering. Moreover, natural light can be particularly useful in sustainable home office designs as it also offers health and productivity benefits. For example, office workers who sat near a window with optimal natural light experienced an 84 per cent reduction in headaches, eyestrain and blurred vision, along with a 10 per cent increase in alertness and two per cent boost in productivity, a study by Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor at Cornell University, reveals.

A switch to solar underway in B.C.

Rooftop solar panels have a carbon footprint 12 times lighter than natural gas and 20 times lighter than coal, research from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) reveals. Fortunately, BC Hydro’s Self-Generation Program now allows Kamloops residents to access rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage. Up to $5,000 is provided for eligible grid-connected solar panels, while up to $5,000 is also provided for battery storage systems. These rebates make it easier for homeowners to generate their own electricity, slash energy bills and send clean energy back to the local electricity grid. This program has been a success so far, with around 9,500 B.C. residents in total now a part of the program that first launched in June.

Regardless of what becomes of the province’s carbon tax, a lighter carbon footprint remains a priority for many Kamloops residents. Fortunately, simple and accessible energy-efficient home upgrades can help homeowners lower their carbon footprints and save money at the same time.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.