OTTAWA — This fall, retailers, utilities, suppliers
and manufacturers are making it easier than ever for Canadians to take action
around the home to help meet the One-Tonne Challenge and reduce the greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change.
"Addressing climate change starts with many small actions by millions
of Canadians making changes in their daily purchases and habits to lower their
energy consumption," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural
Resources Canada. "Now, thanks to special promotions, our partners are
helping Canadians have even more success in meeting the One-Tonne Challenge
and helping our country's energy efficiency efforts."
"We've seen many Canadians take up the One-Tonne Challenge," said
the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. "A one-tonne
emissions reduction also means fewer smog-creating pollutants, which helps
us address both climate change and clean air. The One-Tonne Challenge is one
element of Project Green, the Government's broader environmental vision aimed
at supporting a sustainable environment and a more competitive economy."
The energy-efficiency promotions involve a variety of partners across Canada.
Conglom and Costco, for example, will hold a three-day event in 65 Costco stores
across the country in October and November, offering savings on Luminus ENERGY
STAR-qualified compact-fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and programmable
thermostats. Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro and B.C. Hydro, as well as
manufacturers like Honeywell and Waterpik, are offering additional rebates
at these events.
Other utility companies, such as SaskEnergy, Hydro Ottawa, Barrie Hydro, Maritime
Electric, Enbridge, Hydro One and Newmarket Hydro are promoting ways to meet
the One-Tonne Challenge in their customer newsletters.
During September and October, Hudson's
Bay Company (Hbc), through its Bay and Zellers stores, is offering
promotions and savings on ENERGY STAR® and other products
that support the One-Tonne Challenge. In addition, window displays in its
Bay flagship stores are encouraging consumers to take up the One-Tonne Challenge.
Another retailer, Home Depot, is partnering with the Clean Air Foundation's
EnergySmarts Program to focus on energy-efficient home products.
As part of Canada's climate change plan, the One-Tonne Challenge asks each
Canadian to reduce their individual GHG emissions
by one tonne or about 20 percent. Each person in Canada produces an average
of about five tonnes of GHG emissions
annually. Half of these emissions come from using energy in the home for heating,
cooling, water heating, appliances and lighting.
More information on promotions, incentives and rebates, as well as a list
of exhibits at local events this fall, are available at www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne.
Visitors can check the "Incentives and Rebates" section to search
by province and territory for both seasonal and ongoing ways that help save
money on energy efficiency measures. On the "Business and Industry" page,
there is also a complete list of business partners.
The Government of Canada's actions on climate change are part of Project Green,
whose policies and programs include measures to conserve our biodiversity,
protect our water, clean up contaminated sites, and ensure cleaner and healthier
air.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada and Canadian retailers are joining forces to make
energy-efficient products more available to consumers. Stores across Canada
will offer promotions, incentives and rebates on ENERGY STAR® and
other products that support the One-Tonne Challenge initiative.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Tom Ormsby
Media Relations
Director of Communications
Natural Resources Canada
Office of the Minister
Ottawa
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
Brigitte Caron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
