Energy-saving Housing Program Launched in Ontario

TORONTO - New homes in Ontario will now be setting an example of energy efficiency. Today, the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, announced that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will undertake a pilot project to introduce the ENERGY STAR^® for New Homes label in Canada. This will add new homes to a roster of ENERGY STAR-qualified products that NRCan has been promoting since 2001.

"We need to raise awareness of the importance of using energy-efficient products and practices to help reduce the effect of climate change," said Minister Efford. "ENERGY STAR will make it easy for homebuilders to showcase the benefits of energy-efficient homes for home buyers and their communities."

New homes that receive the ENERGY STAR label will be independently verified to be 40 percent more energy-efficient than those built to minimum Ontario building code standards. The increased efficiency of ENERGY STAR-qualified homes will translate into reduced energy costs for homeowners. Typical energy-efficiency measures for these homes include insulation upgrades, higher-performance windows, sealed air ducts, better draft-proofing and more efficient heating and air conditioning systems. These features contribute to improved quality and comfort in the home, lower energy demands and reduced pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.

"The Government of Ontario is very pleased to support this pilot project," said Donna Cansfield, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy. "We feel ENERGY STAR for New Homes is an important part of building a conservation culture here in Ontario that will help protect the environment and help reduce energy costs."

"ENERGY STAR is just what Ontario homebuilders have been searching for," said Dan Gabriele, President, Ontario Home Builders' Association. "The ENERGY STAR label helps home builders show their clients that they are getting a comfortable, well-built, energy-efficient home that will protect them from rising energy costs."

"EnerQuality Corporation is delighted to have been selected to pilot this exciting new initiative in Ontario," said Peter Love, President, EnerQuality Corporation. "We have a long history of delivering energy-efficiency solutions such as R-2000 and EnerGuide for New Houses in the home-building industry and look forward to partnering with others to maximize the benefits of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes throughout Ontario."