A Nanaimo–based climate action group has proposed a radical plan to tackle climate change, the catch? The bill could add up to just over 1 billion dollars.
The plan calls for the installation of 1,000,000 heat pumps in BC households. The goal is to increase the number of homes with access to energy-efficient heating and cooling. According to NCAH, the plan could be implemented over 3 years.
Project lead Larry Whaley says the plan was created in response to a request by the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Sheila Malcolmson.
The plan would see the creation of an on-the-job training program that would teach people with minimal building and HVAC experience how to install heat pumps.
“It’s a very simple process. Anybody who is a bit of a handy person that knows a screwdriver from a hammer can do this job with a bit of training,” says Whaley.
This would have a twofold effect according to Whaley, it would get more heat pumps installed and address a shortage of workers in the HVAC industry. It would also free up professionals already in the industry to focus on more complicated installations, while the trainees of the program handle more simple installs using the D.I.Y kits
According to the federal government’s National Occupational Classification, the industry will see a shortage of workers between now and 2030.
This comes after the BC Government pledged $10 million to fund the installation of 8000 AC units for those who are at risk of heat-related illness or might not be able to afford it.
