In a new study about Canadian homeowners’ attitudes towards sustainability, four in five respondents said that the issue of climate change is important to them and that they are concerned how it could affect future generations.

The study, commissioned by Schneider Electric Canada, also reveals 73 per cent of homeowners have seen an increase in their electrical bills in the past year and less than one in five currently use energy-efficient appliances or devices in their homes to help combat that rise.

“Our study found 9 in 10 (89 per cent) Canadian homeowners say it’s important to have energy efficient appliances or devices when buying, building, or renovating a home,” said David O’Reilly, vice-president of home and distribution at Schneider Electric Canada. “Encouraging further adoption of smart home technology will not only help households reduce their individual carbon emissions, but also encourage them to reimagine what it means to live sustainably.”

Homes and buildings continue to be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. After accounting for the electricity used for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances, they total 18 per cent of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.