On Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., millions of people worldwide will come together for Earth Hour, a global movement highlighting the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change. By switching off non-essential lights for one hour, individuals, communities, and businesses make a powerful statement of commitment to the planet. But sustainability isn’t just about one hour—it’s about the choices we make every day. What many don’t realize is that adopting a greener lifestyle can also lead to financial benefits, including savings on insurance costs. In honour of Earth Hour, here are some actions you can take to reduce your environmental impact while also cutting costs.
The Canada Greener Homes Grant
Buildings, including our homes, account for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. To help Canadians save on energy costs, the Government of Canada has implemented an initiative to assist you. This is known as the Canada Greener Homes Grant and will help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient. It will also create new jobs across Canada for energy advisors, growing our domestic green supply chains while fighting climate change. It’s one of the many influential examples that Earth Hour has had on the global consciousness.
Its purpose is to help Canadians make where they live more energy-efficient. This means homes will be more comfortable and more affordable to maintain while also supporting our environmental objectives.
Update: As of now, the Canada Green Homes Grant is no longer accepting new applicants. Those who are already part of the Grant will continue to be eligible for funding through the Canada Greener Homes Portal.
What’s Available Through The Initiative?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant Initiative provides funds for home evaluations and for retrofits, up to a total of $5,600. Homeowners are eligible for up to $600 total for the cost of evaluations and expert advice so they can begin to plan their retrofits. Retrofit grants of up to $5,000 total are available for the implementation of eligible retrofits, such as home insulation, windows, doors, and air sealing. There are up to 700,000 grants (of up to $5,000) available to help homeowners.
Green Home Insurance Offerings
Going green isn’t a fad in home improvement. It’s the future (and really, the present). The amount of eco-efficient materials, products and services on the market keeps growing. Some insurers offer homeowners insurance add-ons or discounts that help save you money while encouraging homeowners to use sustainable building materials and conserve energy. If you are in the process of wanting to build a new house or renovating, this is a perfect opportunity to save yourself some money in the long run!
Earth Hour: Why Should I Go Green?
The theme of Earth Hour is to invest in our planet. Being eco-educated can reduce the negative impact you have on the environment. Not only is this good for the planet and the health of your community, but it can also help save on your energy bills. Upgrades, like improved insulation and eco-friendly appliances, can trim down your electricity use. It can also lessen the strain on your heaters and air conditioners. While investing in your home, your eco-friendly improvements are an investment in the environment, as well. Remember, when you are done using appliances, many can be recycled! According to the World Wildlife Fund, only 9% of plastics are recycled around the world.
Eco-efficient Products To Consider
As a result of the global awareness created by 2007’s first Earth Hour, many insurance companies are now doing their part to help in the fight against climate change. They are doing so by offering savings to your premiums for going green. Here are some popular green home improvements that are often covered:
- Energy-efficient appliances: ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can reduce the risk of fire and water damage.
- Green roofing: Durable, eco-friendly materials like metal or recycled shingles can lower your risk for storm damage.
- Water conservation systems: Can qualify you for insurance discounts.
- Low-flow bathroom fixtures
- Low or no VOC paints: By choosing low or zero-VOC paint for a few dollars more per can, you’ll preserve your health and the planet, while ending up with a fresh and beautiful room.
- High-efficiency furnace
- LED lighting
- Water-permeable driveways, walkways, and patios.
- Reclaimed or salvaged lumber from old furniture or buildings that are about to be demolished can be used to build walls, support beams, or roof construction.
- Renewable flooring materials, like bamboo or cork.
- Eco-friendly roofing options: Solar power systems derive clean, pure radiant energy from the sun. Installing solar panels in your home reduces fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Dual-paned windows: Double-glazed windows offer insulation against the elements and soundproofing qualities. There are several types of dual-paned windows, such as air-filled, gas-filled, and silver-coated. Each type results in better thermal performance, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
- Star-rated ceiling fans are 60% more efficient than conventional fans and use less energy to operate thanks to improved motors and blade designs.
- By installing a smart thermostat, you can set it to produce less air conditioning or heat when you are away or sleeping, which means your home uses less energy. This energy efficiency saves you money, and you’ll reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
Cool Roofs
A cool roof in Ontario is a roofing system that reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption. Cool roofs can help lower energy bills, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality.
Earth Hour: Benefits of a Cool Roof
- Lower energy bills: Cool roofs can reduce cooling energy demand and lower peak electricity demand.
- Reduced heat island effect: Cool roofs help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Improved air quality: Cool roofs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Extended roof life: Cool roofs can minimize thermal stress and extend the lifespan of the roof.
Cool Roof Materials
- Cool roofs can be applied as a coating over an existing roof system or as a new single-ply waterproofing membrane.
- These roofs come in a variety of materials and colours.
- Cool asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option.
While cool roofs can get pricey at first, they can end up saving you money in several ways. This includes energy savings, incentives and rebates, extended roof lifetime, and HVAC equipment downsizing. It’s important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of some cool roofs can vary depending on the local climate.
Cool Roof Incentives
- The City of Toronto offers eco-friendly roof grants for cool roofs.
- Some companies that offer cool roof services in Toronto include:
Earth Hour: Repair / Replace / Renovate
Eco-Friendly Material Replacement Endorsements
If disaster strikes and damages your home, you may want to replace old materials with green alternatives. If you have an eco-friendly material endorsement on your homeowners’ insurance policy, your insurer will reimburse you for the replacement cost of green alternatives. For example, Travellers’ “green home additional coverage” will pay up to 10% more of your replacement costs to rebuild with green materials. Some companies may also include coverage to remove recycled debris, while others may cover the costs to certify or re-certify a dwelling to meet green certification requirements after a loss. To find out more about eco-friendly endorsements, contact one of our isure brokers today.
The key to any good repair after filing a claim is knowing what you need in advance. If you’re working with contractors or a building company, consult with them about how you can use eco-efficient materials for your repairs. You can also do your research to find stores and vendors in your area that can help you find the products you need.
Earth Hour: Conclusion
Becoming environmentally aware can help us make better lifestyle choices. Earth Hour has become a catalyst for positive environmental impact. It will continue to help drive major legislative changes while educating the public on the climate crisis. On March 28, if we all pledge to ‘green’ our lives a little more each year, we can help to ensure a healthier planet for generations to come!
Safeguard Your Home
Get a free home insurance quote today and protect what matters most.
Looking for Earth Hour activities for you and the kiddos, Read more
Severe weather events in the country are on the rise. Read more
Looking to switch to an electric or hybrid car in Read more
