NB 523
April 27, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) -- Three new commercial energy efficiency programs, representing an investment of $4 million, were unveiled today by Energy Minister Jack Keir and Efficiency NB president and CEO Elizabeth Weir.
"The programs announced today will have a broad reach across New Brunswick's commercial sector, and will provide better control of energy costs for small and medium-sized businesses and manufacturers," Keir said. "The larger the building, the more important it is for initiatives such as improving the efficiency of lighting, heating, as well as upgrades to mechanical systems and building envelopes. With small and medium sized manufacturers, there are opportunities to improve energy efficiencies in process equipment such as chillers, boilers and compressed air systems."
"The opportunities for New Brunswick building owners and business operators to invest in energy efficiency programs not only yield savings on energy costs, but also enhance resale value of their buildings, and provide a competitive leasing advantage over standard buildings," Weir said. "High efficiency buildings also make better workplaces, contributing to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism."
Today's announcement includes the following:
- The Bright Ideas lighting program, which provides premium energy-efficient lighting products at the same cost or less than standard lighting products by providing direct incentives to electrical distributors. Unlike similar programs in other jurisdictions which require contractors to fill out forms and apply for rebates, the Bright Ideas program makes it simple for contractors to purchase premium efficiency lighting products for the same price as they would typically pay for standard products.
- For existing buildings, the Energy Smart - Commercial Buildings Retrofit Incentive Program offers commercial building owners financial incentives of up to $2,000 towards an evaluation to determine the range of potential energy efficiency upgrades, and an incentive up to a maximum of $50,000 towards energy retrofit project costs. These building retrofits would also be eligible for further savings through the Bright Ideas lighting program.
- With the Start Smart - New Commercial Buildings Incentive Program, financial incentives of up to $60,000 are provided to offset the additional costs associated with designing sustainable high-efficiency buildings based on estimated annual energy savings. Again, these buildings would also be eligible for the premium efficiency lighting products available through the Bright Ideas lighting program, which will further help to reduce annual building operating costs.
"By promoting sustainable design and construction of new buildings, we are helping to transform the commercial construction sector, and increasing expertise across all disciplines," Weir said. "This include architects, designers, contractors and tradespeople, making New Brunswick a leader in construction best practices, and raising the bar on efficiency standards for new buildings."
"Our government is keenly aware of the impact of energy costs on the bottom line of business in the province," Keir said. "Our focus with the announcement of Efficiency NB's commercial programs are on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses and manufacturers in the province. Efficiency NB will work closely with Business New Brunswick to leverage funding in order to assist small and medium size manufacturers to maximize energy efficiency within their facilities."
With today's announcement, Efficiency NB now offers programs in each of New Brunswick's three sectors: residential, commercial and industrial.
Additional information about the programs offered by Efficiency NB are available through:
- Efficiency NB toll free line 1-866-643-8833
- Efficiency NB online: http://www.efficiencynb.ca/
07/04/27
MEDIA CONTACT: Janelle Shillington, marketing and communications director, Efficiency NB, 1-506-643-7826.
07/04/27
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