An energy efficiency advocacy group is giving top marks to British Columbia.
Efficiency Canada, based at Carleton University, gave the province first place in its first-ever provincial scorecard.
Policy director Brendan Haley says the top rank is largely due to B.C.'s green building code, ambitious natural gas savings and significant progress in vehicle electrification.
But it says there's still room for improvement when it comes to electricity savings, an area where B.C. is dropping compared with other provinces.
Minister’s statement on B.C. ranking first in Canada for energy efficiency
Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, has issued the following statement:
“It is great to see British Columbia recognized for its leadership and innovation in energy efficiency. This shows we are on the right track with our government’s CleanBC plan to boost the economy, create good jobs for people and make life more affordable.
“British Columbia’s top rank in the Canadian Provincial Energy Efficiency Scorecard is the direct result of our innovative BC Energy Step Code for buildings and ambitious natural gas saving targets, as well as significant success in supporting the shift to electric vehicles.
“With our CleanBC plan, British Columbia is the leader in Canada for clean energy and climate action. Going forward, Efficiency Canada’s scorecard will help us measure the positive impacts of the actions we are taking to increase energy efficiency in buildings, transportation and industry as we continue working toward a cleaner, stronger province."