Introduction

Households can have a significant impact on the environment. The Households and the Environment Survey (HES) aims to measure the behaviours of Canadian households with respect to the environment. First conducted in 1991, it has since been conducted in 1994, 2006 and most recently in 2007. Some of the environmental variables from the first cycle continue to be measured, but many new topics have been introduced over the years.

This report presents the results of the following major themes covered by the 2007 HES:

1. Consumption and conservation of energy
2. Consumption and conservation of water
3. Indoor environment
4. Use of pesticides and fertilizers
5. Outdoor air quality
6. Purchasing decisions

The HES is a biennial survey, conducted under the umbrella of the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program, a broader initiative of Statistics Canada, Environment Canada and Health Canada. The HES aims to provide socio-economic information that will assist in the interpretation of the CES indicators (water quality, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions).