6 Friday, March 6, 2020brooklintowncrier.com The Region of Durham is taking action towards a cleaner, greener future with help from the Atmospheric Fund. The fund has granted $60,000 to the Region to design an energy renovation program for homeowners. "I'm thrilled to have the support of the Atmospheric Fund as we take yet another step forward to address our climate emergency," said Ian McVey, Manager of Sustainability, Region of Durham. "These funds will help us design a made-in-Durham solution to a key challenge: lowering our greenhouse gas emissions." Single-family homes are the most common building type in Durham and a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. With energy renovations, older homes could lower their energy use and emissions by at least 40 per cent. Energy research The Atmospheric Fund grant will fund market research, data analysis and a technical assessment. This includes a deep dive into the Region's housing types and ages, their current energy use and the barriers that are stopping homeowners from carrying out energy efficiency upgrades. Equipped with this information, the Region intends to move forward with designing an evidence-based program that encourages local homeowners to improve the energy performance of their homes, creates new jobs and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Residents wondering what the program will look like and how it might apply to them can expect to learn more this summer. Details will be built out over the coming months in partnership with local municipalities, utilities, post-secondary institutions and the private sector. In January, the Region of Durham declared a climate emergency and committed to accelerated action towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient region. The Atmospheric Fund is a regional climate agency that invests in low-carbon solutions for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and helps scale them up for broad implementation. Quick facts This program represents implementation of the Durham Community Energy Plan, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while reducing costs and creating new jobs. The Region has set a community green- house gas reduction target of 80 per cent by 2050. Durham Awarded $$$ For Homeowners Reno Program Learn About Film/TV Business Opportunities The Durham Region Film Commission (Film Durham), in partnership with municipal film offices from across the region, will host a seminar for local business owners who would like to learn more about the film and television industry and potential opportunities for their business. When: Tuesday, March 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. Where: At Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering. Why: Durham Region offers a wealth of filming locations and is quickly growing as a preferred destination for the film and television industry. Production companies purchase a wide variety of goods and services including equipment, accommodations, transportation, food, personal services, post-production, costumes, construction and florists which are available in Durham. Note: Please register at businessandfilm. eventbrite.com by Monday, March 9, 2020.