Preparation Of A Brief To The Alberta Provincial Government Examining The Feasibility Of A Mandatory Energy Disclosure Policy In Alberta

Abstract

Disclosing the energy use of residential homes will help home buyers make informed purchases and encourage home owners to increase the efficiency of their home. Developing a mandatory energy audit and disclosure policy for residential homes offered for sale in Alberta will help create awareness for homes owners and buyers, and encourage energy efficiency. This will prompt changes in attitude, and energy savings for both the Government of Alberta and homes owners and buyers. This Maters Degree project is aimed at creating a policy brief for the Government of Alberta. The policy brief involves enforcing a mandatory energy audit to be conducted, and its results be disclosed with the sale of all residential homes in the province. This document will review international and national data, and literature on existing Government initiatives, and existing mandatory energy disclosure policies. The literature review and data analysis aided in the development of 10 key policy tools. Alberta would need these tools in order to successfully implement a mandatory energy disclosure policy, the tools range from developing an administration to capping a cost for energy audits. The research also aided in identifying the potential benefits and challenges that Alberta may incur. The major challenges faced are centered around a lack of information and monetary availability, and the major benefits are centered around developing awareness and energy savings.