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.
