Energy-saving program for small and medium manufacturers (09/06/11)

NB 828

June 11, 2009

TRACADIE-SHEILA (CNB) - A program is available to help small and medium manufacturers reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Small and Medium Industrial Program - a new stream of the Energy Smart program offered by Efficiency NB - will also help these manufacturers improve their productivity and competitiveness.

Elizabeth Weir, president and chief executive officer of Efficiency NB, announced the program here today during the annual meeting of the New Brunswick Enterprise Network.

"With our help, businesses can identify savings potential, build a business case for investment and quickly move to implementation," Weir said. "It is good for the business, and it is also good for the local community by increasing investment and jobs."

The program will help small and medium industries identify the best opportunities to save energy and minimize investment risk by determining a clear rate of return. It will also help these industries project a dollar value of future energy savings.

"This program will further assist New Brunswick's small and medium industries become more competitive," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "By helping small and medium industries become more energy-efficient, we are helping them to compete in the global marketplace. They are able to reduce operating costs and invest their savings into their companies.

"Our government will continue to take steps to ensure businesses in New Brunswick have the tools they need to be more successful in our province."

The Small and Medium Industrial Program complements Efficiency NB's program for large industry. It provides customized support to smaller industries using at least 50 per cent of their energy bills in manufacturing and having a peak average monthly energy consumption of less than two megawatts.

The program provides incentives at three steps:

• in the initial phase, Efficiency NB provides 50 per cent of study costs to identify the opportunities for energy savings, to a maximum of $3,000;
• in the second phase, companies are eligible to be covered for 50 per cent of costs to complete a detailed feasibility study up to a maximum $10,000. They may do this up to three times, to a maximum of $30,000;
• in the implementation phase, companies are eligible to receive $10 per gigajoule of energy saved, to a maximum of $50,000.

More information is available at Efficiency NB, 1-866-643-8833, or at the industrial section of Efficiency NB's website.

09/06/11

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/06/11

Energy efficiency workshops for forestry sector to be held (09/06/09)

NB 820

June 9, 2009

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Energy efficiency workshops for the New Brunswick forestry sector are being held by Efficiency New Brunswick on Tuesday, June, 9 and Wednesday, June 10.

Thirty-five persons representing at least 16 sawmills will take part. The English workshop is being held today in Fredericton, and the French workshop will be held tomorrow in Grand Falls.

The workshops are being delivered by Canada's national wood products research institute, FPInnovations - Forintek Division. The institute supports the forest products industry in optimizing manufacturing processes, extracting higher-value products and meeting customers' expectations of performance, durability, and affordability.

Sawmill energy-use characteristics are unique to the sector and are closely tied to production. Opportunities for energy efficiency will be explored in sawmilling, lumber drying and planer mill energy. Efficiency NB will outline the incentives and support it makes available to small, medium and large industry in the province.

Energy Minister Jack Keir praised Efficiency NB for providing resources and support to the forestry sector.

"Energy efficiency represents an important opportunity for cost savings in an industry that is faced with the challenge of remaining viable and competitive in a struggling economic climate," he said. "This is an extremely worthwhile initiative."

Efficiency NB is joining the New Brunswick Forest Products Association to deliver the workshops to the latter's member companies.

"As the largest consumers of energy in the province, our members understand the importance of maximizing energy efficiency," said Mark Arsenault, president and chief executive officer, New Brunswick Forest Products Association. "Energy can account for up to 30 per cent of our total costs. Energy efficiency is good for the bottom line and our environment."

09/06/09

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, e-mail, tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/06/09

Premier recognizes champions in energy efficiency (09/05/25)

NB 734

May 25, 2009

FREDERICTON (CNB) - Recipients in 13 different categories were presented with the Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency by Premier Shawn Graham this evening in Fredericton.

The awards were developed by Efficiency NB to recognize best practices in energy efficiency in New Brunswick, and were presented for the first time this year.

Graham told the crowd that among the nominations were many inspirational stories of people, groups, organizations and communities that have taken up the challenge of becoming more energy efficient.

"I was especially impressed by the strong show of leadership from within organizations and communities to champion energy efficiency," said Graham.

He also spoke of the benefit of energy efficiency to the New Brunswick economy. The average participant in Efficiency NB's Existing Homes Program spends $11,000 on energy efficiency upgrades. Since the program began, participants have spent over $50 million in their local communities.

"These investments in materials and skilled labour help to stimulate the economic growth that New Brunswick must undergo to be self-sufficient by 2026," said Graham.

Graham also thanked potter Tim Isaac for designing and handcrafting the awards.

"I hope that these creations will become a symbol of commitment to energy efficiency, and raise awareness of the importance of energy efficiency and of the benefits it holds for all all New Brunswickers," said Graham.

Outstanding energy efficiency project awards were presented to the best performers in six of Efficiency NB's energy efficiency incentive programs. They were:

• Commercial Retrofit, Saint John Theatre Company, Saint John;
• Commercial New Construction, Peterbilt New Brunswick, Moncton;
• Residential Retrofit, Martin and Sandra Searle, Hampton;
• Residential New Construction, Dwayne and Gisele Mann, Colpitts Settlement;
• Residential Multi-Unit Retrofit, Jean-Yves Boudreau, Saint John; and
• Residential Multi-Unit New Construction, Guy Long, Edmundston.

This is the first year for the awards, for which a public call for nominations generated almost 50 submissions in seven categories. Energy Efficiency Champion awards were presented in six categories:

• Individual, Lois Nicholson, Murray Corner;
• Manufacturer, ALLSCO Windows and Doors Ltd., Moncton;
• Industrial Sector, Flakeboard Company Ltd., St. Stephen;
• Retailer, Canadian Tire Corp., New Brunswick stores;
• Residential Sector, Krista Downey, Lower Queensbury; and
• Commercial Sector, Agriculture and Agri-food Potato Research Centre, Fredericton.

The final presentation of the evening was the Community Award for Outstanding Energy Efficiency Achievement, which was presented to the city of Fredericton and accepted by climate change co-ordinator, Alycia Morehouse.

Information on the awards and all of the award winners may be found at www.efficiencynb.ca/premiersawards.

09/05/25

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860.

Efficiency NB launches partnership with home improvement stores (09/05/06)

NB 626

May 6, 2009

GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD (CNB) - A partnership between Efficiency NB and home improvement stores in the province was announced today by Energy Minister Jack Keir.

The agency is working with retailers on a provincewide consumer education program to increase awareness of Efficiency NB's residential energy efficiency programs, and increase the sales of energy efficient products at home improvement stores.

A partnership between Efficiency NB and home improvement stores in the province was announced today by Energy Minister Jack Keir.

"This collaboration will benefit the province in several ways," said Keir. "We are encouraging people to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient, which means that they'll save money on their energy costs and be helping the environment. They'll also be creating employment and stimulating the economy by buying energy efficient products and hiring local contractors to do the work. It's a win-win-win scenario - the perfect equation for self-sufficiency."

The average participant in Efficiency NB's residential energy efficiency program spends about $11,000 on energy efficient upgrades.

The partnership includes training sessions for store staff and bilingual point-of-purchase signage. The signage will be installed in stores over the next two weeks, and will prompt consumers to request information and advice from the store's retail staff. A total of 75 home improvement retailers are taking part.

"Home improvement stores were quick to come on-board with the program," said Don Sherwood, president of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association. "When staff are more familiar with the energy efficiency programs they can provide better service and advice to customers doing upgrades, and the signage promotes the programs so more people take advantage of the incentives and carry out their upgrades using the proper materials. It's good for business."

Efficiency NB has a full range of residential energy efficiency programs that offer loans and grants to owners of both existing and new homes and multi-unit residential buildings. Information on any of Efficiency NB's programs may be found on its website, or by calling 1-866-643-8833.

09/05/06

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, Efficiency NB, 1-506-643-2860, e-mail: tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/05/06

Efficiency NB selects potter to create awards for winners of energy efficiency (09/03/26)

NB 385

March 26, 2009

SAINT JOHN (CNB) - Tim Isaac, a New Brunswick potter, has been chosen by Efficiency NB to create original works of pottery to be presented to recipients of the Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency. The awards will be presented for the first time on Monday, May 25, in Fredericton.

Efficiency NB worked with Handworks Gallery in Saint John to seek creative submissions. The agency selected Isaac's work because of its uniqueness and its reflection of the diverse New Brunswick landscape.

"We considered a number of beautiful and unique submissions, but we kept coming back to Tim's work," said Elizabeth Weir, president and chief executive officer of Efficiency NB. "I am sure that the awards recipients will treasure the piece and appreciate its significance.

"We also felt very strongly that the creative work of a New Brunswick artist should be incorporated into the premier's award program because New Brunswick is the first province to recognize achievements in energy efficiency in this way."

Isaac creates his pottery in the tradition of Raku, a dramatic technique directly relying on artist's intuition and skill in the firing process. His work is inspired by the rugged landscape and textures that surround him on the coast of New Brunswick where he lives and works.

"I am honoured to have been chosen to create the works of pottery for the Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency," said Isaac. "I am also pleased that Premier Shawn Graham is showing his support for New Brunswick artists with this special commission. I value innovation and creativity.

"Reducing energy consumption, and thus reducing our impact on the environment, requires creative solutions and effort from all of us. I'm very happy to be making the awards given to the people who will inspire us all to work toward greater energy efficiency."

Nominations for the awards are open until Wednesday, April 15. Residents and members of the business community are encouraged to nominate their peers, businesses or communities for one of seven awards. Information on the awards and nomination process is available at www.efficiencynb.ca/premiersawards.

09/03/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, e-mail, tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/03/26

Nominations open for Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency (09/03/10)

NB 289

March 10, 2009

SAINT JOHN (CNB) - The public is being invited to submit nominations for the first Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency, which will showcase some of the best practices in energy efficiency in New Brunswick.

"These awards will provide us with the opportunity to recognize and applaud the efforts of individuals, communities, business and industry that are setting themselves apart as leaders in energy efficiency and helping to move us toward our climate change goals," said Energy Minister Jack Keir.

The public and the business community are encouraged to nominate their peers, companies or communities for one or more of the following awards:

• Energy Efficiency Champion - commercial sector,
• Energy Efficiency Champion - industrial sector,
• Energy Efficiency Champion - residential sector,
• Energy Efficiency Champion - manufacturer,
• Energy Efficiency Champion - retailer,
• Energy Efficiency Champion - individual, and
• Outstanding Energy Efficiency Achievement - community award.

The deadline for nominations is April 15. A description of each award, along with the information about the nomination process, may be found at www.efficiencynb.ca/premiersawards.

Efficiency NB will select award recipients for an additional seven categories from among its exemplary program participants.

09/03/10

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, e-mail, tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/03/10

New incentive program for builders (09/02/13)

NB 159

Feb. 13, 2009

SAINT JOHN (CNB) - A new program will offer financial incentives to builders of energy-efficient, multi-unit, residential buildings.

Efficiency NB's new Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) program offers incentives to help with the cost of improved energy efficiency. By meeting a minimum energy-efficiency specification in the construction of a building, the builder may receive $250 per unit; building to a plus energy-efficiency specification raises the incentive to $500 per unit. Further incentives for central heating systems range from $1,000 per unit for an energy-efficient oil or gas central heating system, to $2,000 per unit for installing ground-source heat pumps.

Builders may also receive a bonus of up to $125 per unit for installing ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators and clothes washers, and a rebate of 50 per cent of the cost of the required energy assessment. The program brochure, which is available from Efficiency NB, provides additional details.

Builders must contact Efficiency NB before construction begins in order to have building plans evaluated. Once constructed, the building will be assessed for its energy efficiency and compliance with program specifications, after which the builder is eligible for applicable incentives.

"Everyone benefits from an energy-efficient building, from building owners to tenants, not to mention the environment," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "This is a great program initiated by Efficiency New Brunswick."

Efficiency NB has developed a list of specifications for builders to follow to ensure that buildings are energy efficient. By maximizing energy efficiencies, and by choosing efficient heating systems and appliances, the benefits include lower operating costs, increased building value, more comfortable housing for residents, and greenhouse-gas reduction.

The MURBs program has been offered as a pilot program for the past two years through a partnership with the Department of Social Development. Incentives were offered to developers who built energy-efficient, affordable housing complexes.

Elizabeth Weir, president and CEO of Efficiency NB, said that the partnership has yielded some very high-quality, highly energy-efficient, low- and mixed-income housing units.

"We've tested the program and had tremendous success," said Weir. "So we are pleased to offer the program to all developers in the province in our effort to transform the new housing market in New Brunswick."

With the addition of the new program, Efficiency NB has a full range of residential energy-efficiency programs for new and existing homes and for new and existing multiple-unit residential buildings, the most comprehensive package of residential programs in the country.

The existing MURBs program has also been enhanced, and now provides owners of existing multi-unit residential buildings with increased incentives for energy-efficient retrofits and a rebate toward the cost of an energy evaluation.

More details on all Efficiency NB programs may be found at its website, or by calling 1-866-643-8833.

09/02/13

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, e-mail: tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/02/13

Checklist developed to help build energy-efficient homes (09/02/10)

NB 132

Feb. 10, 2009

SAINT JOHN (CNB) - Homeowners and builders now have a checklist to help them build an energy-efficient home and qualify for financial assistance from Efficiency NB.

Efficiency NB has developed the checklist, which spells out mandatory specifications for homeowners and builders to follow to ensure they are building an energy-efficient home. Meeting these specifications helps homeowners qualify for financial incentives through Efficiency NB's New Homes Program.

Already, homeowners may obtain financial assistance by having their drawings and specifications reviewed before construction. They may also obtain advice on how to achieve an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher; or how to build an R-2000 home through a certified R-2000 builder.

Buyers of new homes are also eligible if they either buy a home that has an Energuide rating of 80 or higher; buy an R-2000 home; or, if they now buy a home that includes all of Efficiency NB's mandatory specifications for building an energy efficient home.

First-owners of new homes will also qualify for an added rebate equal to 50 per cent of the cost to have their home Energuide-rated, to a maximum of $250; and to qualify for an ENERGY STAR bonus to install specified ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.

"Building an energy-efficient new home is a sound investment," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "It increases the value of the home, and it lowers energy and operating costs. Efficiency NB is doing wonderful work in support of homeowners and, of course, for the environment."

The New Homes Program began two years ago to encourage the construction of energy-efficient homes. Since then, about 950 homes have been enrolled in the program.

"I think homeowners and builders will welcome the enhancements we've made to the program," said Elizabeth Weir, president and chief executive officer of Efficiency NB.

Builders interested in building energy-efficient homes and working more closely with Efficiency New Brunswick should contact Efficiency NB's New Homes program manager. More details may be found at www.efficiencynb.ca/newhomes or by calling 1-866-643-8833.

09/02/10

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracey Somers, communications, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860 tracey.somers@gnb.ca.

09/02/10

New TV series teaches homeowners how to save money by cutting energy use (09/01/14)

NB 23

Jan. 14, 2009

SAINT JOHN (CNB) - A new television series produced by Rogers TV was developed through an innovative partnership between Efficiency NB and the Conservation Council of New Brunswick to help New Brunswick homeowners better understand how to save on their energy costs by making their homes more energy efficient.

"$ave this House" is a six-part series that will be broadcast in both English and French, beginning this week. Episodes address the basics of energy-efficient renovations, and offer advice to homeowners on how to conserve energy and minimize heat loss. The series is co-hosted by representatives from Efficiency NB and the Conservation Council.

"We saw this as an exciting and important opportunity to be able to reach homeowners in every part of the province with the information and advice they need to start making their homes more energy efficient," said Efficiency NB President and CEO Elizabeth Weir. "Being able to show homeowners the common areas for heat loss in their homes, and provide expert advice on measures to fix the problems, is of immense value. As the old saying goes: a picture is worth a thousand words."

The series begins by explaining what a home-energy evaluation consists of, and how to arrange for one. An evaluation is the first step toward getting the advice and financial incentives offered by Efficiency NB for homeowners to do energy-efficient upgrades. The show also explains what to look for when buying energy-efficient appliances.

Later episodes deal with basements, attics, walls, windows, doors and ventilation, heating systems, lighting, and reducing water consumption. Co-hosts will also share information on how to get grants and web-based resources, and will discuss new trends in energy efficiency.

"Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is one of the most effective actions that New Brunswickers can take to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions," said Julie Michaud, climate action co-ordinator and co-host of the series. "Retrofitting your home to make it more energy efficient will make your home more comfortable, and help save the environment."

"$ave this House" will run on Rogers TV, cable 10, throughout the province. For a list of show times, viewers should check their local listings, or visit the Efficiency NB website.

09/01/14

MEDIA CONTACTS: Tracey Somers, Efficiency NB, 506-643-2860, tracey.somers@gnb.ca;

Julie Michaud, climate action co-ordinator, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, 506-458-8747, efficiency@conservationcouncil.ca;

Scott Jackson, regional station manager, Rogers TV - New Brunswick, 506- 462-3680, scott.jackson@rci.rogers.com.

09/01/14