STITTSVILLE, ONTARIO - A new community in Ontario will be setting the standard for energy efficiency. Today, the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), announced that Jackson Trails, a new development in the western section of Ottawa,will be Canada's first community of ENERGY STAR®-qualified homes. "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. "This community will showcase the benefits of energy-efficient homes for homebuyers and their communities." The 300-home community, to be built by Tartan Homes and Tamarack Homes, will not only be energy-efficient, but will also employ best practices in enhancing wildlife habitat and conservation lands. Every home in the newcommunity will be built to ENERGY STAR specifications, making them approximately 40 percent more efficient than homes 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 greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality. ENERGY STAR for New Homes is an initiative of NRCan and several stakeholders, including the Ontario Ministry of Energy, the Ontario Home Builders' Association, EnerQuality Corporation, Union Gas, Enbridge Gas, Owens Corning Canada and Hydro Ottawa. The ENERGY STAR symbol is recognized around the world, and allows consumers to see at a glance which appliances, electronic goods, office equipment and other products are the most energy-efficient.In Canada, the program is administered and promoted by NRCan's Office of Energy Efficiency, a leader in helping Canadians save energy costs while addressing the challenges of climate change. 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 today produce long-term and enduring results while maintaining a strong and growing economy. The One-Tonne Challenge is part of the Government of Canada's approach to help Canadians respond to climate change. To learn more, please visit http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/english/. FOR BROADCAST USE: A new community near Ottawa will be setting the standard for energy efficiency. Today, Natural Resources Canada Minister John Efford helped launch a community of ENERGY STAR homes, the first of its kind in Canada. The houses are built to be 40 percent more energy-efficient than other new homes. For more information, media may contact: Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447 Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 996-2007 The following media backgrounder is also available: ENERGY STAR® in Canada
