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• HBHC Evaluation

Increasingly the environment is being viewed as a valuable resource. Measures to protect the environment bring value to Canadians. However, there are also costs associated with environmental protection and the linkages between energy and environment are complex. Sound action results when the costs and benefits are understood.

Recent examples of our work in this area include following:

• We developed and are implementing and evaluation plan for Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). This evaluation recognizes both direct economic impacts and the potential for SDTC's initiatives to transform markets for sustainable development technologies.
  
  
• We assessed the Global Benefits and Cost of the Montreal Protocol. This first ever global cost-benefit study was commissioned by Environment Canada and presented at the Montreal Protocol 10th Anniversary Colloquium. The benefits of fewer health and non-health effects were compared to the cost of compliance to controls on substances which deplete the ozone layer.

• A frequent problem when assessing an environmental impact is that no market exists for the environment good being affected. One approach often used involves contingent valuation or asking people how much they would be willing to pay for the good. However, problems exist with the method. Our study, Contingent Valuation of Environmental Effects from Dry Cleaning overcame deficiencies cited in the economics literature through an advanced survey to over 1,700 respondents.

• Environment Canada considered changes to the Gasoline Regulations affecting the use of lead in competition vehicles. We assessed the economic impact of a range of options on the racing sector in our Economic Impacts of Options Considered for the Gasoline Regulations.

• Qualitative and quantitative work in support of an energy efficiency labeling program for gas furnaces and central air conditioners.

• Estimation of the extent of energy diversion in Canada, on behalf of a consortium of utilities and the Canadian Electricity Association.

• Consultations on proposed energy efficiency programs for commercial buildings in Canada. Our firm was retained to lead a cross-Canada series of consultations on an NRCan discussion paper Implementation of the 1997 Federal Budget Provision for a Tax or Other Mechanism to Promote Energy Efficiency Investments in Commercial Building: Exploring the Options. The report has informed the policy development for the Commercial Buildings Incentive Program.

• Evaluation plan, process and impact evaluations of Ontario Hydro's Espanola Power Savers Project. Our firm completed a case study and conducted the process and impact evaluations.