Canada’s efforts to meet the terms of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions could have a positive outcome for homeowners: Under a plan approved by a federal cabinet committee this week, Canadians who take steps to make their homes more energy efficient could get an average rebate of about $740. The $54 million budget for the program would come out of the nation’s $1.2 billion Kyoto fund, and would be used to subsidize homeowners for installing better insulation, weather-stripping, windows, ventilation and heating equipment, and other measures that would reduce home energy use. The program is modeled on the Greensave Home Rewards Program in Toronto, through which energy-conscious homeowners receive an average rebate of $628. The nationwide program is expected to gain easy approval from the full cabinet.
