The Cool Communities Residential Shade Tree Planting Program encourages homeowners in Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge to plant native trees and shrubs for energy conservation.
Shade trees planted on the southern and western sides of a home can save 25–40%, and reduce peak energy demand in summer by up to 30%, according to a study by the University of California Berkeley. By planting a tree, homeowners also improve their neighbourhoods by cleaning the air, decreasing pollution, attracting pollinators, and increasing biodiversity.
The project is being coodinated by Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), an award-winning, Toronto-based urban forest non-profit organization well known for its successful Backyard Tree Planting Program. LEAF has been working in close cooperation with local municipalities and green organizations to get the project off the ground.
Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) is pleased to support this program which shares our emphasis on maintaining and increasing our tree canopy for a healthier, sustainable future.
This project also supports The City of Guelph’s Community Energy Plan. “Guelph will reduce the magnitude of the summer electrical peak by at least 40% by 2031 to avoid the need for investment in new electrical infrastructure to serve the growth of the city.”
The project is supported by the Ontario Power Authority’s Conservation Fund, which funds new and innovative electricity conservation projects, the City of Guelph and Guelph Urban Forest Friends. For more energy conservation initiatives, visit www.everykilowattcounts.ca. For more information on the Cool Communities project, including a list of participating nurseries, visit www.yourleaf.org/coolcommunities.
The program runs from September 18 -26 2010. To take advantage of the discount, and save up to $100, please visit one of the participating nurseries. Don’t forget to visit the Cool Communities booth to pick up free educational materials about tree selection, strategic planting for energy conservation. Planting and care instructions are also included.
Four Easy Steps to Getting Your Rebates:
- Visit a local participating nursery during the promotional dates
- Visit the Cool Communities booth inside the nursery and use the Tree Selection Tool and other Guides to help you choose appropriate species for your yard
- Fill out the short survey located at the Cool Communities booth
- Bring your survey and purchases to the cashier to receive your rebates!
Rebate Values:
- $20 off trees regularly priced $99.99 or greater
- $5 off shrubs regularly priced $19.99 or greater
- $2 off shrubs regularly priced under $19.99
Kitchener
Grand Valley Garden Village
Sheridan Nurseries
Guelph
Royal City Nursery
Brock Road Nursery
Visit the LEAF website for more infomation.
