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 2016
Total economy key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2016 period,
- Energy efficiency improved 31.4%.
- Canadians saved 2,089.9 PJ or $45 billion in energy costs and avoided 112.1 Mt of GHG emissions in 2016.
- Secondary energy use (final energy demand) in Canada increased 26%. It would have increased 56% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Canada’s energy intensity per unit of GDP improved 30.3%
Residential sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2016 period,
- Energy efficiency in homes improved 51%, saving Canadians $15.0 billion in energy costs in 2016 – averaging $87/household per month in savings.
- Residential energy use increased 2.4% because of a greater number of households (+4.4 million), living space, appliances/electronics and use of air conditioning. Residential energy use would have increased 53% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Energy efficiency helped avoid 30.2 Mt of GHG emissions in 2016.
- Thanks to energy efficiency, energy use per household decreased.
Commercial/institutional sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2016 period,
- Energy efficiency in the commercial/institutional sector improved 24%, saving Canadians 179.6 PJ of energy and $4.3 billion in energy costs in 2016.
- Energy intensity (GJ/m2) decreased 9%.
- Energy use increased 34%. It would have increased 58% without energy efficiency improvements.
Industrial sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2016 period,
- Canadian industry saved $4.9 billion in energy costs due to a 16% energy efficiency improvement in 2016.
- Industrial energy use increased 26%. It would have increased 42% without energy efficiency improvements.
- In 2016, Canadian industry saved 426 PJ of energy and reduced 21.2 Mt of GHG emissions.
- Energy intensity (MJ/$2007 – GDP) decreased 14.9%.
Transportation sector key highlights
Over the 1990 to 2016 period,
- Energy efficiency improved 43%, saving Canadians 763.2 PJ of energy and $20.8 billion in energy costs in 2016.
- Energy use increased 39%, from 1,877.9 PJ to 2,617.9 PJ. More cars, more trucks and greater freight mileage all contributed to increased energy use in this sector.
- Energy efficiency improved 32%, saving 359.4 PJ, or $8.4 billion in energy costs in 2016.
- Energy use increased by 22%. It would have increased 53% without energy efficiency improvements.
- Energy efficiency improved 60%, saving 403.8 PJ, or $12.4 billion in energy costs in 2016.
- Energy use increased by 63%. It would have increased 123% without energy efficiency improvements.
Passenger transportation
Freight transportation