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Being green in the North Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison Northern News Services Published Monday, September 26, 2011
As regional energy project co-ordinator for the Arctic Energy Alliance, a not-for-profit society, he is tasked with making Inuvik and the Beaufort and Mackenzie Delta communities as sustainable as possible. Since beginning work in August 2010, Andre said he has made some gains, but still faces challenges that are all too familiar in the NWT. "It's easier to be green down south. Up North the cost is high and expertise is lacking," he said. "You can't just drive down to your supplier and pick up your material right there, but at the same time it is starting to get better. We're doing as much as we can to meet those demands, but we can't do it overnight." Since last year, Andre has helped install eight energy-efficient woodstoves in private homes across Aklavik. He's waiting on parts to be shipped up to complete the installation of two more. He estimates residents will earn their money back through energy savings in less than five years, but added even with that incentive, it's hard to get people to switch to environmentally friendly products. "I find that if people see something installed and then see the (energy bill) numbers, then they will see that it does make a difference," he said. "Telling them the theory behind it, it just doesn't work. You actually have to go do something about it and then show the difference." Through the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program, NWT residents are eligible for rebates of up to 25 per cent off woodstoves and pellet stoves. There are also rebates for wood pellet boilers or furnaces, certain hot water heaters, outboard motors, oil furnaces for mobile homes and other appliances. Andre, who grew up in Inuvik and is of Gwich'in descent, said he became interested in environmental work during his studies at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George. In one of his courses, Andre and his classmates were given the task to calculate how much energy goes into producing energy-efficient products compared to how much energy one saves by using them. "That kind of caught my attention," he said. "What are we actually doing to this planet? Hopefully we can make a difference." Andre said he has seen a rising interest in energy-efficiency programs, and hopes it continues to get easier for people to take part, even if they're living in the North. "With the capital costs upfront, it's really difficult for business and homeowners," he said. "You try to save as much money as you can, but everybody has their different priorities. At the end of the day it's their choice. The options are out there for them." Fact file Cost to heat a 1,200 sq ft house in the North * 80 per cent efficient wood stove - $1,900/year * 80 per cent efficient wood pellet stove - $2,100/year * 55 per cent efficient wood stove - $2,700/year * 80 per cent efficient oil furnace - $3,200/year Source: Arctic Energy Alliance
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