The Framework
The Circular Energy Framework: Local Approach to Transformative Action
Canada’s local energy transition won’t be solved by endless wrangling over climate targets. For communities, it means understanding their local energy system well enough to see their best move to improve energy security and resilience.
Circular, Not Linear
Keep the value circulating locally.
Unlike traditional linear models that export community capital to pay for imported fuel, a circular energy regime keeps economic value circulating locally while strengthening community resilience. Efficient and resilient communities build a strong nation.
Four Steps Toward Energy Transition
Work them in order.
Reduce
Reduce energy waste.
It’s already being done here
The Durham Greener Homes program is an initiative aimed at helping homeowners in Durham Region make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. It offers services like a home energy retrofit concierge, access to low-interest loans for renovations, and personalized guidance to improve home energy performance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Improve
Recirculate energy value locally.
It’s already being done here
Vancouver created the municipally owned False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility, turning municipal wastewater infrastructure into an energy asset by capturing energy waste heat from sewer lines to supply space heating and domestic hot water to surrounding developments.Switch
Draw on renewable flows.
It’s already being done here
Halifax’s Solar City program, The Atmospheric Fund’s Home Solar Accelerator, and Saskatoon’s Solar Potential Mapping for buildings are examples of local programs that make it easier for people to install rooftop solar systems.Regenerate
Regenerate the natural relationships that support life.
It’s already being done here
Municipal Green Development Standards apply at different scales. At the site level, they promote such measures as the use of green infrastructure for stormwater management and planting native, drought-resistant species.
“A circular energy regime keeps economic value circulating locally while strengthening community resilience.”
Canadian Municipal Precedents in Practice
It is already being done here.
Municipal Thermal Utilities & Integrated Retrofits
Durham Region, Ontario
Driven through the CAO’s office, Durham Region obtained council approval to establish a Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) to own and operate a district energy thermal utility serving a high-density transit node at a GO Transit station. This structural utility model was paired with a municipally integrated home retrofit program.
Energy Flow Mapping & Local Value Retention
City of Guelph, Ontario
By mapping local energy flows using data visualization tools, Guelph demonstrated that roughly 80% of its $1 billion annual energy spend left the local economy. Municipal leaders leveraged this data to show the council how a 10% efficiency gain retains over $100 million locally each year.
Wastewater Heat Recovery
False Creek, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver created the municipally owned False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility, turning municipal wastewater infrastructure into an energy asset by capturing waste heat from sewer lines to supply space heating and domestic hot water to surrounding developments.
Local Energy Sovereignty
Nova Scotia Municipalities
Seeking relief from high costs and unreliable service from centralized private utilities, several small Nova Scotia towns shifted their operational paradigm toward local generation. They invested in community-owned renewable power to protect municipal energy security and retain energy capital locally.
Put the framework to work.
Talk to Karen about applying Reduce, Improve, Switch, and Regenerate in your community.