For immediate release
Gatineau, Quebec - March 28, 2008 – The Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the En nvironment, are pleased to announce this Saturday the Government will participate in Earth Hour, a global event to raise awareness of climate change.
"As one of Canada's largest landlords, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PW GSC) wants to illustrate its commitment to energy efficiency by joining communities around the world to mark Earth Hour," said Michael M Fortier, Minister of PWGSC. "The Government of Canada operates some of the most energy efficient buildings in the world, and we will continue to take steps to make our buildings even more efficient."
During Earth Hour the Peace Tower clock face on Parliament Hill will go dark, as will non-essential lighting on Parliament Hill, as well as the Cana da wordmark and architectural lighting on buildings across the country, wherever possible. PWGSC already turns off non-essential lighting during non-working hours in its buildings across Canada, wherever feasible, as part of its ongoing conservation pract ices.
"Doing our part for Earth Hour demonstrates our Government's continued commitment to real action for the environment," said Environment Minister John Baird. "Canadians want to see their Government take a leadership ro le. By turning off the lights across Canada we are setting a highly visible example for other Canadians to follow."
The Government of Canada has taken real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through its Turning the Corner plan. Unde r our Government's leadership, Canada will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions an absolute 20% by 2020.
PWGSC has significantly improved the environmental sustainability of its office buildings over the years. Between 1990 and 2007, energy co nsumption in its Crown-owned buildings decreased by more than 23%. In addition, all new office buildings are designed to meet the LEED® Gold standard, and all major renovations to meet the LEED® Silver standard. In 2007, the department signed a co ntract with the Building Owners and Managers Association of Canada to use their Go Green Plus standard to assess all its Crown-owned office buildings over a three-year period. Initiatives like these not only lessen government's impact on the environ ment, they also save taxpayers' money.
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For further information, please contact:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Fortier
613-868-1128
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Baird
819-997-1441
Media may also contact the following for further information:
Medi a Relations Office
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
