GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELPS LOBLAWS CHILL GLOBAL WARMING REPENTIGNY — Attention shoppers. The refrigeration system in the new Loblaws store in Repentigny, Quebec, is putting the chill on more than just frozen veggies. It is also reducing the energy costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the operation of the supermarket, the first of its kind in Canada. And if the Government of Canada has its way, more grocery stores, arenas and even curling rinks across the country may soon be following suit. By using innovative refrigeration technology developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in the store's heating and ventilation system, the Repentigny Loblaws aims to reduce energy consumption by about 50 percent. It is also projecting to produce 75 percent fewer GHG emissions than an equivalent conventional supermarket — approximately 1,500 tonnes less. This volume is equal to the GHG emissions produced by 300 family cars driven 20,000 kilometres a year. "The Government of Canada is pleased to be partnering with Loblaws and our other partners in Quebec on this innovative, environmentally friendly project," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Through partnerships like this one, we are helping Canada become a world leader in innovative technologies — an area which is experiencing tremendous economic growth and is key to addressing climate change." Loblaws Properties Ltd. is contributing more than $2 million of the $3.3 million being invested in this pilot project, while the Government of Canada, through NRCan and the Technology Early Action Measures component of the Climate Change Action Fund, is contributing $888,500. Other partners in the project include Hydro-Québec, the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique du Québec, and equipment suppliers such as Hill Phoenix, Hussman, Keeprite, Micro Thermo and Consolidated Energy Solution. "We are proud to see one of our supermarkets become an environmental showcase in the area of refrigeration and energy efficiency," says Daniel Tremblay, Senior Vice President, Procurement, Merchandising and Trade Relations, Provigo Inc. "In addition to doing our part to improve the greenhouse-effect situation, we are gaining a simpler operating system, reducing our energy and maintenance costs, and ensuring our equipment's reliability and durability." "This project demonstrates once again that taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is not only good environmental stewardship, it's just plain good business," said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. "The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in this project, which will make an enduring contribution to reducing GHG emissions and certain air pollutants while showcasing Canada's leadership in the efficient, cleaner technologies of the future." The Repentigny Loblaws, which opened on April 28, is a concrete example of the Government of Canada's commitment to reducing GHG emissions, and to meeting its international climate change obligations. NRCan's CANMET Energy Technology Centre — Varennes introduced this innovative technology and provided scientific and technical leadership. It will continue to evaluate the project and develop information and products to build the capacity of Canadian industry to implement such systems across the country. Innovative refrigeration technologies have the potential to improve energy consumption and reduce energy costs in many buildings being designed and built across Canada. By 2012, NRCan expects that as many as 40 percent of new or renovated buildings that house supermarkets and ice and curling rinks will be using environmentally friendly refrigeration systems to keep Canadians cool and their food fresh. The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming Canada's place in the world. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada Ottawa Ottawa (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246 Josée Bédard Senior Director Communications and Corporate Affairs Provigo Inc. (514) 383-8800, ext. 6142
