OTTAWA, November 3, 2003 -- Owners and managers of commercial and institutional buildings will now find it easier to access energy-efficiency programs. The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), today announced details of the renewal of the Government of Canada's financial incentives for these buildings. The two Government of Canada programs - the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) for new buildings and the Energy Innovators Initiative (EII) for existing buildings - are both housed within NRCan. These initiatives represent $104 million of the $1-billion investment previously announced on August 12, 2003, to implement the Climate Change Plan for Canada "Through energy-efficient designs of new buildings and retrofits of existing buildings, businesses and institutions can lower their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change," explained Minister Dhaliwal. "Owners and managers in these sectors will find it easier to invest in making their buildings more energy-efficient." CBIP has been extended to March 3, 2007, with funding of $47 million. CBIP offers a financial incentive of up to $60,000 for new commercial and institutional buildings that are designed to be at least 25 percent more energy-efficient than a building designed to the requirements of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings EII offers energy retrofit assistance for existing commercial and institutional buildings. New changes announced today include the elimination of minimum requirements for funding, more partnerships with member-based associations and special considerations for Aboriginal, northern, rural, remote and complex projects. In addition to retrofit planning and implementation, the $57 million, available until 2007, includes incentives for refrigeration and equipment through related programs. These incentives advance the Government of Canada's commitment to the sustainable development of our natural resources - contributing to their economic importance and to a strong society and communities through knowledge, innovation, technology and international leadership. By integrating our economic, social and environmental goals, we can ensure our quality of life and build the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations. Details are available at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/buildings , or by calling 1-800 O-Canada. (1 800 622-6232), TTY 1 800 465-7735. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 947-8246 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447 For more information on the Government of Canada's action on climate change, please visit www.climatechange.gc.ca.
