FRANCAIS

September 15, 2006

Stakeholder consultations to make provincially-funded buildings some of the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient in North America will begin Monday, Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.

“We are meeting with dozens of stakeholders over the next three months as we implement this bold new policy,” said Chomiak. “This is the next step in a vision that is important for the environment, good for our health and will deliver long-term benefits to taxpayers because of the dramatically-reduced energy costs green buildings provide.”

Under the province’s green buildings policy, all new Manitoba-funded building projects are required to meet or exceed the internationally-recognized LEED silver standard. LEED is a green building rating system for certifying healthy, high-quality, energy-efficient buildings that have fewer environmental impacts. LEED ranks projects according to their environmental and energy-efficiency objectives including water usage and access to public transit if available.

Compared to conventional buildings, green buildings reduce energy, water and sewer bills and can increase productivity, boost property values and enhance environmental awareness among employees and the public. The average capital cost premium for LEED buildings is only two per cent over conventional buildings, which is quickly offset by the dramatic energy savings green buildings deliver, often reducing energy bills by one-third or more.

In June the province announced the new policy, which took effect immediately and following a transition period, becomes mandatory in April 2007. The policy is regarded as one of the most aggressive in North America and has the potential to establish Manitoba as a recognized centre of green building expertise, said Chomiak.

Stakeholder consultations are an essential next step to ensure all provincial departments, Crown corporations and external partners are fully apprised of the scope of Manitoba’s new green buildings policy and the opportunities it will present to industry, the minister said.

Consultations with dozens of stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors, health authorities, universities, environmental groups, building organizations and many others will continue until Dec. 18. A report is expected early in the new year.

More information about the policy is available at http://www.manitobaenergy.ca.

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LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) is North America’s leading green building rating system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council with input from industry, it has been adapted for use in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council.

The LEED Canada rating system awards credits in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The four levels of LEED certification (certified, silver, gold and platinum) are determined by number of credits achieved.

Canadian and U.S. studies show the capital cost premium for LEED silver buildings is low, usually less than three per cent more than conventional construction. This is more than offset by lower energy costs, water bills and other operating costs.

In Manitoba, both the Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development’s Green Building Subcommittee and the Capital Region’s Regional Planning Advisory Committee have recommended the Government of Manitoba lead by example by adopting LEED silver for new construction and major renovation projects.

There are currently 66 LEED-accredited professionals in Manitoba. The University of Manitoba was the first university in Canada to offer a LEED course to students for academic credit.