Let’s face it—navigating the world of home energy upgrades and retrofits can feel a bit overwhelming at times. With all the different programs and options available, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where the team at the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) saw an opportunity and launched the RDKB HomeSmart Program in January 2024 to provide residents with information on steps they can take to help save energy.

Thanks to the financial support of our climate action partners and conservation and energy management programs, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and other organizations, RDKB HomeSmart has become a great place to start for local homeowners and renters looking for advice on how to save energy and make their space more comfortable.

The Climate Action Partners Program works with local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations throughout B.C. to help reach shared climate action goals. It funds climate action projects, or a dedicated employee, to help residents lower overall emissions, develop affordable energy solutions for their communities and provide residents with information on how they can save energy.

Trail, B.C., part of the Traditional Territories of the Ktunaxa Secwepemc (Shuswap), Sinixt and Syilx Okanagan Nations, is where the idea for the RDKB HomeSmart Program first started and one of the many communities it serves.

Where it all began

The seeds of RDKB HomeSmart were planted back in 2022, when the RDKB developed its climate action plan. As part of that process, they reached out to the community through surveys and consultations. Residents said they wanted the regional district to develop programs to help residents and businesses lower emissions from buildings and make buildings better able to withstand severe weather.

So, the RDKB team rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They studied successful models like the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (formerly EcoSave) in Nelson and other programs that provide personalized services. But they didn’t just copy and paste. Instead, they created something unique—an in-house program that combines providing residents with information on steps they can take to help save energy and make their homes more comfortable, with lowering emissions, all tailored to the specific needs of their region. 

Helping local residents save energy through the RDKB HomeSmart Program are (left to right) Freya Phillips, senior energy specialist, and Raven Boisclair, retrofit program coordinator.

RDKB HomeSmart was built in response to what residents told us—they wanted the opportunity to take steps to lower their associated emissions and improve their homes, but the process can feel overwhelming. The program cuts through the complexity, helping people understand their options, complete upgrades and access rebates.

Freya Phillips, senior energy specialist, RDKB

What is RDKB HomeSmart, exactly?

At its core, RDKB HomeSmart is a free program that provides personalized support to residents. It guides them through the process of making their homes more energy efficient and better able to withstand whatever the weather brings. But it’s more than just a checklist or a rebate form. It takes residents on a journey, and the RDKB HomeSmart team is with them every step of the way.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up – Residents can apply online, by email, over the phone or they can pick up a form in person.
2. Explore residents’ needs – A retrofit coordinator chats with each applicant to understand their priorities and needs.
3. Get a home assessment – Residents have the option to get a professional evaluation of their home to identify potential energy improvements.
4. Plan the retrofit – Together with the RDKB HomeSmart team, residents create a plan that fits their needs and timeline.
5. Home improvements – The RDKB HomeSmart team helps residents find registered contractors and get quotes to complete the work. They also help residents apply for available rebates and incentives.
6. Enjoy the benefits – Save energy and enjoy a more comfortable home. It’s that simple—and that powerful.

Why it matters

RDKB HomeSmart offers free, friendly guidance to help residents use energy more wisely and take steps to save energy. It helps residents make simple home improvements that boost comfort today and protect their home for the future.

It isn’t just about saving energy (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about making homes more comfortable for residents who participate in the program.

• Save energy – Energy-efficient homes can help residents lower their energy use.
• Increased comfort – Say goodbye to drafty rooms and hello to cosy, consistent temperatures.
• Climate resilience – Homes are better prepared to handle wildfires, heatwaves and other climate-related challenges.
• Accessibility – RDKB HomeSmart aims to remove barriers to home improvements. The program is open to all residents, regardless of income or whether they’ve used other energy-efficiency programs. Affordability and accessibility are at the heart of RDKB HomeSmart’s mission. There’s no charge for consultations with the retrofit coordinator and the team works hard to make sure everyone can participate.
• Transparency – Through the information and advice residents receive through the program, they have a better sense of the costs of retrofits.

Building trust, one conversation at a time

One of the things that sets RDKB HomeSmart apart is its deep connection to the community. The team doesn’t just sit behind desks—they’re out there, attending events, meeting people face-to-face and building relationships.

They’ve worked with community organizations, and internal programs like FireSmart to reach people where they are. They’ve also made a point of using clear language and offering in-person sign-ups for those who don’t have easy access to computers.

It’s all part of a larger effort to apply an equity lens to everything they do. That means thinking about who’s being left out—and finding creative ways to bring them in.

What’s the response been like?

So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In just the first two years, over 300 households registered for the program and are now on the path to a more efficient and comfortable home.

And because the program is run by the RDKB’s own staff, the team has been able to refine and improve it based on real-time feedback. They’ve adjusted materials, streamlined processes and made it easier for people to get the help they need.

Advice for other communities

Thinking about starting a similar program in your own region? The RDKB HomeSmart team has some advice: don’t reinvent the wheel. Reach out to existing programs. Learn from their experiences and use their templates.

And most importantly, listen to your community. The success of RDKB HomeSmart is rooted in its commitment to understanding and responding to the real needs of real people.

Final thoughts

In a world where climate change can feel overwhelming and solutions often seem out of reach, the RDKB HomeSmart Program is a shining example of what’s possible when communities work together with us to meet people’s energy needs while supporting B.C.’s climate action goals.

Learn more and sign up for the RDKB HomeSmart Program.

The RDKB is just one of the many communities that works with us through the Climate Action Partners Program to support a lower carbon future together. Learn more about the program and find out what our partners are working on.