Green Your Strata Council

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How to take action

• Consider a lighting retrofit for common spaces and make switching off easy. Stratas can qualify for BC Hydro incentives for lighting projects.
• Consider "lifecycle cost" when making any capital improvements or purchases. During maintenance or repair, it's tempting to choose the lowest cost option for materials ranging from exterior finishes to roofing, from paving to carpet to light fixtures. Make sure you consider durability, operating, maintenance and disposal costs as well as just the up-front price, however. Equipment or materials that will last longer, require less maintenance, and consume less energy over their lifetime will cost your strata less per year over their lifetime than those that perform poorly but offer a cheap sticker price. Over time, they also consume fewer resources for production and transport, and produce less waste – making them better choices for the environment.
• Use only materials that are "low-VOC". Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in carpets, paints, glues, wall finishes, plastics, insulation and fabrics, and glued wood products (i.e. some types of plywood). They have negative impacts on indoor air quality and health. Many options are now available that are low or no-VOC.
• Improve your building's insulation. Better insulation will pay for itself in reduced energy costs and improves comfort too.
• Draft proof all common areas. Reducing cracks where air can enter is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce heating and cooling costs. Encourage condo owners to draft proof their own units too.
• Reduce heating (and cooling, if used) in common areas that are seldom used or where people pass through quickly, such as stairwells.
• Use rainwater to irrigate landscaping. Install rainbarrels and institute a policy that this water is always used for gardens first, before any potable (tap) water is used.
• Eliminate toxics from your building maintenance routines, including landscaping chemicals and cleaning supplies.
• Offer free parking to a car-sharing network. One or more shared cars parked in your garage gives residents more transportation options and can help them reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It improves resale value of units too, by making them attractive to a wider group of buyers.
• Consider shifting some landscaped areas to community gardens. This is a great way to build a sense of community as well as allowing residents opportunities to grow their own food.
• Encourage strata members to join Team Power Smart. Team Power Smart members commit to reducing their electricity usage by 10% over the course of a year. They gain access to a variety of on-line tools, promotions, and incentives.
• Form a green team. Within your strata council, create a sub-committee of individuals interested in environmental issues. (Consider engaging residents who are youth.) Brainstorm the list above (and more) and pick a few items at a time that you can change. Lead your fellow condo owners in learning about environmental issues, and work together to make a difference.

Why it makes a difference

• Residential buildings make a significant contribution to climate change, through their use of energy for light, heat, cooking and other domestic uses. The residential sector produces 7% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, compared to 4.3% for the commercial sector. Improving energy efficiency and conservation in our homes does contribute to mitigating climate change and reducing our impact on the environment.
• People are often unaware of conservation measures they can take at home – or they feel one person's actions won't make enough of a difference. Encouraging your strata council to take steps on conservation, and educating your strata members, can effectively increase everyone's momentum and accomplishment.

For more information

• Many of BC Hydro's guides and tips for small businesses and could be applied to your organization – depending on its size and operating activities. Browse the Green Your Business and Green Your Home guides to find more information your organization could use.
• If your building uses natural gas, keep an eye on gas-related efficiency incentives that might apply. Other building retrofit incentive programs may also apply.
• Promote the One Less Tonne tool to your member condo owners. The tool helps you plan out commitments to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions – and gives an estimate of the potential results as you make your plan.
• To ask questions about how BC Hydro's Power Smart incentives could apply to your strata, you can contact the Power Smart Help Desk by email or by phone at 604 522 4713 (Lower Mainland) or toll-free 1 866 522 4713.