This indicator measures efforts to increase environmental awareness, which is defined by the consideration people have of their actions on the natural environment. This indicator also tracks the level of northern participation in environmental programs.
NWT Focus
Environmental awareness is reflected in how people change their personal practices to help reduce negative pressures on the environment. This indicator tracks changes in personal practices in the NWT, by individuals, organizations and communities. Changes in personal practices influence the future state of NWT's environment.
The NWT is one of the first areas in the world to see widespread impacts of climate change. These impacts will affect us all in the coming years and decades and we must determine how we will adapt to these changes. The GNWT recognizes it has a responsibility to contribute to Canada’s efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and is committed to working with governments and organizations to achieve that.
The NWT also recognizes the importance of reducing the amount of waste we generate and of creating a greater awareness of waste reduction and environmental stewardship. In 2010, the single-use retail bag program was introduced to achieve these goals.
The seven energy efficiency programs available to individuals, homeowners, businesses, non-profits and communities all contribute to increased awareness of our actions on the environment and the ability to lessen our impacts.
| Program | Goal | Coordinators | Participation | Year |
| Energy Efficiency Incentive Program (EEIP) | To aid homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations with purchasing energy efficient products. | ENR and Arctic Energy Alliance | 2006-2012 - over 4,500 rebates 2011/2012 - over 1,200 rebates with an estimated emissions saving of over 2,000 tonnes. |
2007 - present |
| Energy Conservation Program (ECP) | To support projects that reduce the use of electricity, heat, energy, water for boards, agencies, municipal governments and non-profit organizations | ENR | Eight projects across the NWT in the 2011/2012 FY with resulting annual savings estimated at $61K and 129 tonnes of avoided greenhouse gas emissions | 1980s - present |
| Commercial Energy Conservation and Efficiency Program | To identify and support the implementation of cost effective energy conservation and efficiency measures in NWT businesses | ENR and Arctic Energy Alliance | 20 commercial building energy audits were performed with six rebates provided. The expected annual financial and greenhouse savings in 2011/2012 were $63K and about 80 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions respectively. | 2007/2008-present |
| Alternative Energy Technologies Program (AETP) | Provides funding for communities, businesses and residents to incorporate clean energy solutions into their buildings or operations. | ENR | Since 2007 the program has helped to fund 131 kilowatts of solar PV offsetting 124 tonnes of greenhouse gas annually. In 2011 biomass boilers were added to the program. 14 boilers have been installed to date offsetting an additional 525 tonnes of greenhouse gas annually. | 2007-present |
| EnerGuide for Homes Program | Provides subsidizes energy audits to homeowners | GNWT, Arctic Energy Alliance and Government of Canada | In the 2011/2012 FY, 105 homes were energy audited. | 2007/2008- present |
| Community Energy Plan (CEP) | Provides advice, workshops and assistance to communities implementing their community energy plans. | MACA, NWT Association of Communities and Arctic Energy Alliance | All communities have plans, strategies or actions, and at least one energy goal, varying in detail with community. | 2007/2008-present |
| Single-use Retail Bag Program | To reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags, paper bags and biodegradable. | ENR | From January 2010 - September 2012, ENR estimates that NWT residents have avoided using approximately 14 million single-use retail bags. |
January 2010 grocery - present February 2011 expanded all retailers - present |
Looking forward
A number of energy saving and greenhouse gas reducing initiatives and programs exist in the NWT. With the increasing cost of fuel and the negative effects of fossil fuel consumption on the environment, interest in applying alternative energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gases is increasing. It is expected Northern interest in these programs will continue to increase and increase our environmental awareness.
Find out more
- For more detailed information on the alternative energy programs in the Northwest Territories, see the appendices.
- Other environmental information and educational materials can be found on the ENR website at: www.enr.gov.nt.ca.
Found an error or have a question? Contact the team at NWTSOER@gov.nt.ca.