The Less Approach

The LESS approach

The LESS approach is about everyone using less energy. Our addiction to energy cannot be continued because we are running out of fossil fuels and destroying the environment. Creating MORE power to meet our growing demands is not the solution. Being smarter in using less of what we have is the only sustainable way.

Voluntary approaches are not enough. Government, business, and individuals must have incentives, regulations, or standards in place to encourage change.

The challenge is being able to maintain our current lifestyle and sustain economic growth while reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Can WE do MORE with LESS?


Energy consumption


Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of energy. We are also one of the greatest consumers of energy.

Who is using all this energy? The largest portion (39%) of energy consumed in Canada is used industrially. Residential (16%) and passenger transport (16%) are also significant, as are commercial/institutional consumption (13%), freight transport (12%) and agriculture (2%).

We need to cut back somewhere.


Individuals


Canadians, as individuals, are major energy consumers and there are lots of things we could do to reduce our energy use and environmental footprint. We could renovate our houses to be energy efficient and buy energy efficient appliances. We could drive less and walk more.

The challenge is for Canadians to find ways to reduce our energy consumption and maintain our high quality of living, especially since the global population continues to grow. Our collective social conscience may not be enough to convince us to reduce our energy consumption. We need financial incentives, such as the federal grant for home energy-efficiency retrofit, to urge us into action.


Industrial and Commercial


We know that big businesses are the biggest energy consumers and the biggest polluters. Some industries have shown initiative to reduce their environmental impact, such as the Automakers Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. But can voluntary agreements really bring about change? Do we need stricter environmental regulations for businesses?

Some people question whether financial incentives and regulations work on big businesses because it is easier and even more economical for them to ignore the regulations and pay the fines. The challenge for business and industry is to continue to grow and be profitable, while reducing their environmental impact.

Remember, industries (e.g. factories) make up 39% of Canadian energy consumption, while commercial/institutional sector (e.g. stores and schools) makes up 13%.


Governments


Governments at all levels can do a lot to bring about changes in our energy consumption. They can use laws, regulations and agreements to encourage or enforce changes in practices. They can offer citizens and businesses grants, rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives to become more energy efficient and reduce energy consumption. There have been some recent discussions on a carbon tax and more generally about a tax on energy.

Governments can also provide incentives for companies to develop new innovations to reduce our energy use.

But of course there is only so much money to go around. What do you think is most important?


Be sure to take a look at the companion piece to this one, entitled The Less Approach. Then have your say in the forums, or create a proposal using the wiki tools.