OTTAWA, September 16, 2005 - The Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, officially opened Shanghai's second innovative Canadian Super E® project today.The project is the result of a partnership between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and their partners in China, Shanghai Da'An Development Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Jie Li Construction-Decoration and the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai."China is facing significant environmental challenges and will greatly benefit from the energy-efficient technology of the Super E® program. Canada is proud to share its expertise and work with local organizations to implement this program," said Minister Fontana.Super E® is based on 50 years of housing research and experience in Canada's extreme climates and has already been successfully adapted elsewhere in Asia and Europe. The system emphasizes high energy-efficiency through increased insulation levels, and reduced air leakage, and provides healthy indoor environments. Each Super E® home is quality tested, recognized and certified by the Government of Canada."Super E® technology meets China's need for energy efficient construction and satisfies the homebuyers' interest in healthy housing. This provides an advantage in the competitive housing market here in Shanghai," said Mr. Shi He Le, Chairman of Shanghai Da'An.Super E® was developed for international markets by NRCan, and is being delivered in partnership with CMHC and Canada Wood Export Program. China Enterprise was the first Chinese developer to build Super E® houses in China, with Da'An developing this second project. Insightful Healthy Homes from Canada provided the technical coordination and several Canadian manufacturers supplied materials and components.CMHC International offers expertise and advice, often in association with other Canadian partners, to emerging economies and countries in transition to develop their own housing finance systems and housing policies.Canadians have enjoyed many advantages offered by the housing system, and CMHC is using Canadian housing expertise to help other countries to share in those same benefits. CMHC's international has been providing advice on issues related to housing and housing finance since 1996. Teams of experts work with governments, businesses, and international finance institutions around the world to help them adapt Canadian housing solutions to their own realities. Most recently, CMHC has been working actively in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, offering housing finance solutions to help develop housing systems to meet the needs of citizens in developing countries.CMHC also plays a vital role in solidifying Canada's position in the world and promoting Canadian values abroad.For further information, please contact:Jeff CulpSuper E® Office(519) 539-9762(877) 606-0663 (within Canada only)www.super-e.comJorge MalisaniCMHC International(613) 748-4893jmalisani@cmhc.caBackgrounderSuper E® was developed for international markets by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and is being delivered in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Canada Wood Export Program. They worked closely with the Canadian industry to accelerate the research and development of world-leading, energy efficient and healthy housing technologies.The Super E® Program is being expanded to China, building on the successes in the United Kingdom and Japan. The project responds to China's need for energy-efficient housing and to the Chinese consumer's interest in healthy housing.International Eco House, Jager, Eurorite Cabinets, Relax a Mist, and Tembec are among the Canadian companies that supplied building products.Super E® is specifically focused on adapting 50 years of Canadian construction experience for a large variety of climates ranging from Canada's frozen arctic, to maritime climates of the east, and west coasts to the requirements of foreign markets.Super E® was launched by the Canadian Government in 1999, and has since been embraced by more than 30 Japanese house construction companies. Super E® has been launched in the United Kingdom, where approximately 1,600 units have been built or are being contracted.While this is the second Super E® demonstration in China, the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) of Canada and the Chinese Academy of Forestry are working on two more projects with other Chinese developers that are now underway.Canada and China have enjoyed a mutually beneficial working relationship over the years. CMHC and China have successfully worked together in many areas including building codes, housing finance, energy efficiency and sustainable urban planning. CMHC and the Chinese Ministry of Construction have agreed upon a Mutual Cooperation Plan that has been gradually developed since the visit of Minister Wang Guangtao in Ottawa in September 2004.Through more demonstrations of Canadian technology such as Super E® in China, CMHC hopes to strengthen its co-operation to create unique design and sustainability in future projects.Key Benefits of a Super E® HomeEnergy efficiency - Super E® homes are extremely efficient buildings because they feature increased insulation levels.Indoor air quality - the choice of healthy building materials creates a healthier indoor environment. In addition, ventilation and climate control systems provide the best indoor air quality.Durability - advanced research and construction practices combined with the best materials and systems means that the wood frame construction is protected from any moisture deterioration.Quality - the homes use the best designs, products and systems. All meet strict performance standards thus ensuring a high quality, tested, and registered house. The performance of the house is certified by the Government of Canada.Comfort - the houses are well insulated and draft free, allowing easy control of indoor temperature, humidity and ventilation for the easy breathing and maximum comfort of residents.Partnership - This program builds long-term partnerships between Canadian suppliers and Chinese developers.Cost effectiveness - lower operating costs reduce the monthly cost of home ownership.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada's national housing agency. For over half a century, CMHC has been contributing to improving the living conditions and the well-being of Canadians through four areas of housing activities - housing finance, assisted housing, research and information transfer, and export promotion. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, and making vibrant and sustainable communities a reality across the country.Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a Government of Canada Department specialising in the sustainable development and use of natural resources such as energy, minerals, metals and forests. NRCan helps build a strong society and communities through knowledge-transfer, innovation, science and technology and international cooperation. Through initiatives such as the Super E® Program and the Canada Wood Export Program, NRCan contributes to increasing Canadian Industry capacity to export high quality value added building products and systems for international markets. For more information, visit www.nrcan.gc.ca
