Count every kWh

Canada has an opportunity to lead the world in the production of renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings sector.

Heating & cooling of homes & offices consumed almost 2,000 petajoules in 2020, according to Natural Resources Canada, which converts to 550 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh).  These thermal end-uses emitted 87 billion kilograms (87 Mt) of GHG, higher than the 76 billion kg emitted from all passenger transportation.

A goal of electrification is to produce thermal energy by heat pumps, but currently there is no recognition that the output from heat pumps is renewable energy.

Heat pumps are promoted as an energy-efficient option, but qualifying their thermal output as renewable energy would provide a complete picture of all energy production and consumption, as well as all environmental impacts from the consumption of thermal energy.  It would accelerate consumer understanding and acceptance of heat pump technology and, by clearly showing performance efficiency, it could make heat pumps eligible for production tax credits and other incentives given to solar panels & wind turbines.  Production of thermal renewable energy from heat pumps is accomplished without the need for battery storage or for major transmission corridors.

More background on this issue:

• the mission
• their math
• our rationale
• your home

NetZeroPLUS Canada will launch an awareness / advocacy campaign to promote this concept as a key factor in the analysis of energy production & energy consumption, and GHG emission reductions.

Count every kWh  .…  or your energy & climate accounting are not complete.