Energy Efficiency Trends in Canada
A comprehensive summary of secondary energy use and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada
Energy intensity and efficiency trends from 1990 and 2015
Total economy key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2015 period,
- Energy efficiency improved 26.5%, saving 1,766.1 PJ or $38.2 billion in energy and avoiding 94.8 Mt of GHG emissions.
- Secondary energy use (final energy demand) in Canada increased 30%. It would have increased 55% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Canada’s energy intensity per unit of GDP improved 27.5%
Residential sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2015 period,
- Increased energy efficiency in homes saved Canadians $13.3 billion in energy costs in 2015 – averaging $78/household per month in savings.
- Although residential energy use increased 8.4% from 1990 to 2015, it would have increased 54% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Energy efficiency helped avoid 27.8 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions in 2015.
- Thanks to energy efficiency, energy use per household decreased, despite increased living space and appliance use.
Commercial/institutional sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2015 period,
- Energy efficiency in the commercial/institutional sector improved 23%, saving Canadians 169.3 PJ of energy and $3.8 billion in energy costs in 2015.
- Energy intensity (GJ/m2) decreased 8%.
- Energy use increased 35%. It would have increased 58% without energy efficiency improvements.
Industrial sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2015 period,
- Canadian industry saved $3.2 billion in energy costs due to an 11% energy efficiency improvement in 2015.
- Industrial energy use increased 31%. It would have increased 42% without energy efficiency improvements.
- In 2015, Canadian industry saved 298 PJ of energy and reduced 14.9 Mt of GHG emissions.
- Energy intensity (MJ/$2007 – GDP) decreased 10.4%.
Transportation sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2015 period,
- Energy efficiency improved 36%, saving Canadians 642.8 PJ of energy and $17.9 billion in energy costs in 2015.
- Energy use increased 40%, from 1,877.9 PJ to 2,637.5 PJ.
- Energy efficiency improved 30%, saving 333.2 PJ, or $8.3 billion in energy costs in 2015.
- Energy use increased by 19%. It would have increased 47% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Energy efficiency improved 46%, saving 309.6 PJ, or $9.7 billion in energy costs in 2015.
- Energy use increased by 72%. It would have increased 118% without energy efficiency improvements.
Passenger transportation
Freight transportation