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“When this tour started in Edmonton 2000, we had a pretty modest goal of showing people energy-efficiency technologies and practices that were available immediately,” said Mills. “We’ve had 19 wonderful years of doing this in Edmonton and now we’re excited to be able to take this to Calgary, too!”

Learning Opportunity

The tour gives the public the opportunity to see the leading edge of home energy efficiency for themselves. It also lets people ask other homeowners about their experience with these technologies.

“We have found that this is especially effective in helping people make up their own minds about whether they will go ahead with their own energy-efficiency projects,” said Mills.

Homeowner Maggie Hannah (Site 9) whose Crescent Heights residence is part of the tour echoes that sentiment.

“It is incumbent on those of us who can afford it to lead the way,” said Hannah. “I have stewardship over a tiny part of that energy system but a much farther influence. The number one way for people to make the solar panel decision is if their neighbors have done it. I feel more integral when I walk my talk.”

She charges her used Tesla S with solar power, backed up by the grid, and fills much of her home power requirements with solar in the summer and sells the excess power back to the grid at the same price she and her husband buy it.

“I think there is lot of interest in green building technology in Calgary and we’re hoping this focus will result in a lot of people turning out,” said Mills. “We are getting some good reaction from our social media campaign and people seem to be interested. If results are positive, we’ll probably do it again next year.”