GREEN ROOFS QUALIFY FOR GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUNDING TORONTO — Organizations that plant vegetation on top of their buildings could keep their energy costs from going "through the roof," and may qualify for funding from the Government of Canada. Green-roof technology is considered an eligible measure within its existing funding programs for energy-efficient buildings. "Green-roof technology has been proven to be effective in making buildings more energy-efficient, while at the same time helping create healthier and more beautiful communities," said the Honourable John Godfrey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with Special Emphasis on Cities, on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). He made the announcement at the Conference of the Reducers. "We hope our funding encourages building owners to invest in this measure and help individuals do their part to take on the One-Tonne Challenge and reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The programs, offered through NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency, include the Energy Innovators Initiative (EII), the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) and the Industrial Building Incentive Program (IBIP). They apply to new building designs, retrofit planning and retrofit implementation in facilities such as hotels, schools and other large buildings. Incentives are based on energy-consumption savings. "We are very pleased that NRCan funds green-roof infrastructure design and implementation, and anticipate that this measure will result in many new green roofs across the country,"said Steven Peck, Executive Director of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American trade association for the green-roof industry. Green-roof technology refers to a complex system of root-repellant and waterproof membranes, lightweight growing media, drainage layers and plants which rest directly on the rooftops. It does not include potted plants. The benefits include savings on energy for heating and cooling, decreased roof maintenance, sound insulation and aesthetic appeal. These benefits are greatest in the summer and most cost-effective in buildings with high air-conditioning costs. Although considered a new concept in Canada, green roofs have been used extensively in Europe for more than a decade. More than 10 percent of flat roofs in Germany contain green-roof infrastructure. The EII offers up to 50 percent of retrofit planning costs and up to 25 percent of retrofit implementation costs, based on energy savings, in commercial and institutional buildings. CBIP and IBIP offer funding for new building designs that use at least 25 percent less energy compared to similar buildings. To maximize funding, projects should include multiple energy-saving measures. Information on these programs can be found on the Internet at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/ici/english/home.cfm. Funding for these initiatives was previously announced, and provided for in the March 2004 federal budget. 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
