Raven Atherton has joined the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) as the Retrofit Program Coordinator for its new RDKB HomeSmart Program. Her position and the program are outcomes of the RDKB’s commitment to implementing its five-year climate action plan.
Raven grew up in a family of carpenters and earned her red seal carpentry ticket at 21. She is a certified Energy Advisor and brings unique skills to the role to help the RDKB with this important program.
As the RDKB HomeSmart Program prepares for its public launch in January 2024, Raven will play a key role in guiding Kootenay Boundary residents through the complexities of home energy and resiliency retrofits. From planning to helping access rebates, she will provide personalized support and guide residents to the information they need.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Raven shares, “I’m looking forward to helping local people make improvements to their homes that will increase comfort and resiliency. I really enjoy helping people while also encouraging energy-wise practices and advocating for climate resilience. Contributing to a more sustainable future deeply resonates with me.”
Raven will be the first point of call for the RDKB HomeSmart Program, actively engaging with homeowners and communities across the region to deliver it. To find out more, visit homesmart.rdkb.com.
Freya Phillips, RDKB’s Senior Energy Specialist, says, “We’re excited to have Raven join the team. Her hands-on, practical experience as a carpenter and passion for energy conservation, positions her well to help our residents reduce their energy consumption and future-proof their homes. We encourage locals to reach out and benefit from her expertise.”
Editor’s Notes:
Launched in 2022, RDKB’s five-year Climate Action Plan is organized into six climate action areas, each with its own goals. ‘Building and Properties’ is an action area where the vision is to live and work in resilient, efficient, and low carbon buildings that are comfortable and healthy. It will be reached by working together to prepare buildings and property for the impacts of climate change.
The RDKB’s Climate Action journey
· The RDKB’s climate action journey began when it signed on to the BC Climate Action Charter in 2008.
· Then came 2016, 2017 and 2018 when our region experienced wildfire and flood emergencies tied to climate change. Drought and floods continued to hit the RDKB.
- In 2019, the RDKB declared a Climate Action Imperative.
- In 2020, ‘Build Energy Smart’ was initiated in the RDKB.
· In 2022, the RDKB launched its Climate Action Plan which sets the climate visions, targets and climate action areas to achieve over the next five years.
· In January 2024, the RDKB will launch its new ‘RDKB HomeSmart’ retrofit program.
The Government of British Columbia continues to support the RDKB in its journey to address climate change. The RDKB is committed net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.