Natural Resources Canada
98/64
August 26, 1998

MINISTER GOODALE PROMOTES ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES IN THE YUKON

WHITEHORSE—Residents of Yukon will soon have access once again to Canada's premier energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, R-2000 Home Program. The Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Ralph Goodale, signed two new agreements today with Yukon Housing Corporation (YHC). Under these agreements, YHC has agreed to deliver both the new EnerGuide for Houses program and the updated R-2000 Home Program in Yukon.

"Programs like EnerGuide for Houses and R-2000 are especially important in the North, where energy costs are high and the climate can be harsh," said Minister Goodale. "These programs offer an enormous potential savings for homeowners while helping Canada meet our international climate change commitments."

R-2000 was jointly developed by the public and private sectors, with the continuing support and participation of the home building industry. R-2000 promotes a leading-edge voluntary standard for energy efficiency in the residential construction industry, offering builder training and certification. The YHC approached NRCan in 1997 about adding the R-2000 Home Program to its list of services. NRCan has now negotiated an agreement with YHC to deliver the program, along with a contribution of $12,000 in the first year to facilitate its implementation.

EnerGuide for Houses, which was launched last April, is an energy efficiency assessment system that is designed to provide homeowners with an unbiased evaluation of their home's energy use. Under the system, a qualified energy evaluator gathers energy-related information during a site inspection. A report is prepared for the homeowner, who is then able to use the information to plan energy improvements and renovations that will improve the house's energy performance. YHC signed a contract of $7,500 to deliver this service in Yukon from 1998 to 1999.

Minister Goodale also presented a gift certificate to Whitehorse Councillor Barbara Harris, who is to be one of the first beneficiaries of the EnerGuide for Houses program. At a draw held during the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference last June, Councillor Harris won the gift certificate for a professional EnerGuide assessment. The audit will be performed by YHC, with NRCan covering the cost, valued at about $350.

For further information, please contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007