Natural Resources Canada
2006/12
May 30, 2006

ENERGY STAR^®: Government Rewards Businesses and Utilities with Market Transformation Awards

OTTAWA — Businesses and utilities across Canada that promote energy efficiency to Canadians were recently recognized by the Government of Canada. The winners of the ENERGY STAR^® Market Transformation Awards for innovation and leadership in promoting ENERGY STAR-qualified products in Canada were announced during a ceremony in Toronto.

"I would like to congratulate the winners for their leadership and achievement in encouraging Canadians to select the most energy-efficient products," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "The ENERGY STAR symbol is recognized around the world, helping consumers to easily identify energy-efficient equipment and appliances. It is an important tool that Canadians can use to make choices that will result in a cleaner environment and lower energy costs."

The ENERGY STAR symbol is applied to electronic goods, appliances, office equipment, heating and cooling equipment, and other products that are the most energy-efficient, including compact fluorescent lights, windows and sliding glass doors and vending machines. ENERGY STAR-qualified products are available for both residential and commercial sectors. Typically, they are 20- to 40-percent more efficient than conventional models. In Canada, the ENERGY STAR program is administered and promoted by the Office of Energy Efficiency of Natural Resources Canada.

The ENERGY STAR program advances the Government of Canada's commitment to using our energy resources responsibly and developing a made-in-Canada plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring clean air, water, land and energy.

For more information on ENERGY STAR and the list of products that qualify, visit www.energystar.gc.ca. For information on this year's winners, visit the NRCan newsroom at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/newsreleases_e.htm.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Businesses and utilities across Canada that promote energy efficiency to Canadians are winning over more than conscientious consumers. Recently, the Government of Canada recognized and rewarded them with ENERGY STAR^® Market Transformation Awards for their innovation and leadership in promoting ENERGY STAR-qualified products.

For more information, media may contact:

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447

The following media backgrounder is also available:

1. ENERGY STAR^® Market Transformation Award Winners