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The State of Energy Efficiency in Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency Report 2005

The Office of Energy Efficiency

The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) was established in April 1998 as part of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Its mandate is to strengthen and expand Canada's commitment to energy efficiency in order to help address the challenges of climate change, with specific emphasis on the Kyoto Protocol. The OEE builds on efforts by NRCan over the past three decades to promote energy conservation, continuous increases in energy efficiency and greater use of alternative sources of energy as ways to help protect the environment and strengthen Canada's economic competitiveness.

The OEE manages energy efficiency and alternative fuels measures aimed at the residential, commercial/institutional, industrial and transportation sectors.¹ Guided by the OEE's vision statement of "Leading Canadians to Energy Efficiency at Home, at Work and on the Road," programs related to these sectors target all energy consumers and emphasize partnerships and economic investments. They aim to overcome the market barriers of inadequate information and knowledge, institutional deterrents in energy end-use markets and financial and economic constraints on energy users.

The OEE is also responsible for

• collecting and analysing data on energy end-use;
  
  
• developing new measures to increase the impact and reach of NRCan's support for energy efficiency improvement;
  
  
• modifying its existing programs to increase their effectiveness and efficiency;
  
  
• reporting annually on the state of energy efficiency in Canada and communicating up-to-date information on energy efficiency and alternative transportation fuels through its publications and Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca; and
  
  
• managing Canada's Energy Efficiency Awards.

The OEE plays a key role in Outreach and the One-Tonne Challenge, designed to increase Canadians' awareness and understanding of climate change and the link to energy use. Outreach projects provide information and activities to integrate energy efficiency into Canadians' energy-use decisions. The One-Tonne Challenge asks Canadians to reduce annual GHG emissions by 20 percent, or one tonne. Canadians are challenged to use less energy, reduce waste and conserve water and other resources.The One-Tonne Challenge is co-managed with Environment Canada, with input from and coordination with other departments.

The OEE is assisted by the National Advisory Council on Energy Efficiency, which is composed of energy efficiency experts and leaders from all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country.

National Energy Use Database

The National Energy Use Database (NEUD) supports the development of Canadian energy end-use data, knowledge and analytical capabilities. Through the NEUD, data are collected on energy consumption at the end-use level. Information is also collected on the characteristics of energy-using equipment and buildings, the behaviour of Canadian consumers toward energy use and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. For more information, visit the Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/statistics/neud/dpa/data_e/databases.cfm.

Reporting

Informing key decision-makers in government, industry and the environmental and international communities about Canada's energy efficiency efforts and successes is another of the OEE's major tasks. Reporting on the state of energy efficiency in Canada is one element of this work. The OEE also publishes the annual technical report Energy Efficiency Trends in Canada and the statistical reference Energy Use Data Handbook, and coordinates the drafting and publication of two NRCan reports: Improving Energy Performance in Canada – Report to Parliament Under the Energy Efficiency Act and Federal House in Order – Annual Report on Emissions Reductions From Federal Operations.

The OEE makes its publications and other documents on energy efficiency available to Canadians and others through a comprehensive Web site. The site provides details on OEE programs and offers practical, up-to-date information and tips for all energy users. It also provides access to the OEE's comprehensive, electronic Directory of Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Programs in Canada. For more information, visit the Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/statistics/neud/dpa/policy_e/programs.cfm.

Canada's Energy Efficiency Awards

Canada's Energy Efficiency Awards are managed by the OEE to encourage and honour Canadian innovation and achievements in energy efficiency by businesses, institutions, communities, governments and individuals. Now in their fifth year, the awards send a positive message that Canada is taking action on climate change.

Awards are presented annually in several categories – equipment and technology, housing, buildings, industry, outreach, media and a student competition. For more information, visit the Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/awards.

¹ The OEE's efforts in the area of alternative transportation fuels encourage the transition to less carbon-intensive energy sources in the transportation sector.