Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has partnered with Greater Victoria Public Library and other local libraries to launch new thermal imaging camera kits and an updated Climate Action To-Go Kit, designed to help residents understand and take action on climate change.
“The Climate Action To-Go Kit program continues to offer an interactive way for residents to learn about climate change and take meaningful action,” says Nikki Elliott, Manager of CRD Climate Action Programs. “These kits include practical tools and activities for reducing household greenhouse gas emissions, especially from sources like transportation, buildings, and waste, which are the region’s largest contributors, and preparing our homes and communities for current and future climate impacts.”
The new program loans out high-tech thermal cameras to help residents visualize drafts, insulation gaps, and heat loss through walls, all of which can have big impacts on your energy bills. Winter is the best time to use the tool, when 10-degree or greater differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures make it easier to identify areas of heat loss. The kit also contains additional resources including tips for do it yourself (DIY) draft-proofing, and support from the CRD’s Home Energy Navigator program for those looking to undertake larger home energy retrofits.
In addition to the new thermal imaging kits, the CRD has updated the Climate Action To-Go Kits, which have been available through the library since 2012. The Climate Action To-Go Kit allow users to:
- Measure household appliance electricity use with the Kill-A-Watt Meter
- Discover air leaks in walls and around windows using the Thermal Leak Detector
- Tune up a bike or track steps while learning about local active transportation routes
- Test showerhead water efficiency
- Conduct a household waste audit
- Learn about gardening with native plants and drought tolerant species
- Learn how to prepare our homes and communities for the projected climate impacts in our region
“We’re proud to partner with the Capital Regional District to offer new Thermal Camera Kits and updated Climate Action To-Go Kits at GVPL,” said Aiyang Ma, Library Services Librarian at Greater Victoria Public Library. “Our Thermal Camera Kits give community members a powerful tool to identify energy inefficiencies in their homes, empowering them to take impactful steps toward energy savings and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to reduce energy use or explore ways to take action on climate at home, these resources provide an excellent starting point.”
Kits are available at Greater Victoria Public Library branches, the Sooke and Sidney branches of the Vancouver Island Regional Library, the Salt Spring Island Public Library, the Southern Gulf Islands Community Libraries, and Camosun College Library (Climate Action To-Go Kits only).
For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/actionkits.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Monique Booth, Communication Services Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3165
Cell: 250.516.1703