As we navigate the challenges of climate change and rising energy demands, the path to sustainable living begins at home. Yep, that's right! By adopting emission-free solutions, conserving energy, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, you can take steps towards reducing your carbon footprint. These smart energy solutions are not just concepts of the future they are available today, ready to propel us towards a greener tomorrow.
Enter the Hydro Ottawa eco home, an innovative showcase at the Ottawa International Airport. Inspired by our commitment to leading the energy transition and empowering our customers to make sustainable choices, the eco home demonstrates how technology and smart energy solutions can transform everyday living. Here, you'll find a glimpse into the new tech possibilities available to homeowners and businesses, and discover the array of features that could soon become staples of your own sustainable lifestyle. From rooftop solar panels and battery storage to an electric vehicle (EV) charger and energy-efficient heat pumps, everything is designed to minimize environmental impact:
- Solar panels and battery storage systems are essential for a sustainable home. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate your own clean energy from your rooftop. With battery storage, you can save this energy for when you need it, even on cloudy days or at night. This means you'll rely less on the grid and enjoy greater energy independence, all while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular way to reduce your environmental impact as they emit 70 to 90 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gas-powered vehicles. Beyond their eco-friendly benefits, EVs also offer reduced fuel costs and lower maintenance. Home chargers allow you to conveniently recharge your vehicle overnight, while public charging stations offer flexibility for longer trips.
- Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. They work by transferring heat from the air or ground into your home during winter and vice versa in the summer. Heat pumps can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial component of a smart energy home.
- Energy conservation remains a fundamental aspect of sustainable living. Practical tips for reducing energy consumption include using LED bulbs, unplugging devices when not in use, and switching to energy-efficient appliances.
Located inside the arrivals area, you can enjoy additional features of the eco home which include wireless charging stations so you can power up your smartphone while waiting for your bags, and other interactive elements. By showcasing these available energy solutions, we hope that this eco home display will inspire widespread adoption of renewable and smart home technologies, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city.
In our own pursuit of a greener future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to aligning with the federal government's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Through initiatives like grid modernization and climate adaptation efforts, we're integrating sustainable principles into our operations, ensuring our infrastructure is resilient in the face of climate challenges while meeting the evolving energy needs of our community. Our focus on developing smart energy systems, including microgrids and smart communities, allows us to harness renewable energy sources effectively, paving the way for a more sustainable Ottawa. The eco home serves as a tangible embodiment of these efforts, and we invite you to visit to learn more about how you can contribute to a smart energy future.
Find the eco home at the YOW Domestic Arrivals level, near the information booth, 1000 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON, K1V 9B4. The eco home will be on display at the airport through December 2024.
