Government of Canada
2005/73
September 19, 2005

Canada-wide Promotions Encourage Energy Efficiency in the Home

OTTAWA — This fall, retailers, utilities, suppliers and manufacturers are making it easier than ever for Canadians to take action around the home to help meet the One-Tonne Challenge and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change.

"Addressing climate change starts with many small actions by millions of Canadians making changes in their daily purchases and habits to lower their energy consumption," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Now, thanks to special promotions, our partners are helping Canadians have even more success in meeting the One-Tonne Challenge and helping our country's energy efficiency efforts."

"We've seen many Canadians take up the One-Tonne Challenge," said the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. "A one-tonne emissions reduction also means fewer smog-creating pollutants, which helps us address both climate change and clean air. The One-Tonne Challenge is one element of Project Green, the Government's broader environmental vision aimed at supporting a sustainable environment and a more competitive economy."

The energy-efficiency promotions involve a variety of partners across Canada. Conglom and Costco, for example, will hold a three-day event in 65 Costco stores across the country in October and November, offering savings on Luminus ENERGY STAR-qualified compact-fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and programmable thermostats. Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro and B.C. Hydro, as well as manufacturers like Honeywell and Waterpik, are offering additional rebates at these events.

Other utility companies, such as SaskEnergy, Hydro Ottawa, Barrie Hydro, Maritime Electric, Enbridge, Hydro One and Newmarket Hydro are promoting ways to meet the One-Tonne Challenge in their customer newsletters.

During September and October, Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc), through its Bay and Zellers stores, is offering promotions and savings on ENERGY STAR^® and other products that support the One-Tonne Challenge. In addition, window displays in its Bay flagship stores are encouraging consumers to take up the One-Tonne Challenge. Another retailer, Home Depot, is partnering with the Clean Air Foundation's EnergySmarts Program to focus on energy-efficient home products.

As part of Canada's climate change plan, the One-Tonne Challenge asks each Canadian to reduce their individual GHG emissions by one tonne or about 20 percent. Each person in Canada produces an average of about five tonnes of GHG emissions annually. Half of these emissions come from using energy in the home for heating, cooling, water heating, appliances and lighting.

More information on promotions, incentives and rebates, as well as a list of exhibits at local events this fall, are available at www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne. Visitors can check the "Incentives and Rebates" section to search by province and territory for both seasonal and ongoing ways that help save money on energy efficiency measures. On the "Business and Industry" page, there is also a complete list of business partners.

The Government of Canada's actions on climate change are part of Project Green, whose policies and programs include measures to conserve our biodiversity, protect our water, clean up contaminated sites, and ensure cleaner and healthier air.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The Government of Canada and Canadian retailers are joining forces to make energy-efficient products more available to consumers. Stores across Canada will offer promotions, incentives and rebates on ENERGY STAR^® and other products that support the One-Tonne Challenge initiative.

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