ENERGY STAR® Certification Launches for Canadian Commercial Buildings

OTTAWA, March 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency is helping Canadians transition to a low-carbon economy and meet our climate change goals. Through the national Generation Energy dialogue, Canadians agreed that energy-efficient buildings and homes are a critical component in the transition to Canada's clean energy future.

Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today announced that ENERGY STAR certification is available in Canada for commercial and institutional buildings for the first time. The Minister challenged building owners and managers to take advantage of this new tool to demonstrate their commitment to green growth and to be the first to apply to earn their certification.

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a resource that building owners and managers can use to help manage energy consumption. Thousands are already doing their part for a low-carbon future using this Government of Canada, free, online energy-benchmarking tool to transform their buildings into greener, more energy-efficient spaces.

Starting today, the Government of Canada will recognize commercial and institutional buildings that demonstrate exceptional energy performance with ENERGY STAR's mark of superior energy efficiency. The program is expanding to encourage and recognize energy efficiency leaders in the building sector for their exceptional energy performance, corporate management and environmental stewardship.

In addition, the first buildings to be certified will receive additional recognition beyond the ENERGY STAR acknowledgement. The "Who Will Be the First?" challenge runs until April 30, 2018, 11:59 p.m. PDT.

ENERGY STAR certified buildings save energy, reduce costs and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than non-certified buildings. They often see higher rental and occupancy rates and greater engagement with clients and their communities.

Buildings now eligible for certification in Canada include the following with additional building types to be added over time:

• Commercial offices
• K–12 schools
• Hospitals
• Medical offices
• Senior care communities and residential care facilities
• Supermarkets and food stores
• Ice and curling rinks

Investing in our existing homes and buildings is one of the most effective ways to become more energy-efficient. Beyond the financial savings from lower energy bills, these investments are redistributed to other areas of our economy.

Quote

"We have realized great successes through energy efficiency in Canada, and I am proud to bring ENERGY STAR certification to our tens of thousands of commercial and institutional buildings. I encourage all building managers and owners to apply to be one of the firsts in Canada to become certified, thereby improving environmental performance, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and helping to build a better future for all Canadians."

Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

Associated Links

• ENERGY STAR certification for commercial and institutional buildings in Canada
• ENERGY STAR benchmarking – Frequently Asked Questions
• "Who Will Be the First?" challenge
• Registry of ENERGY STAR-certified buildings
• Generation Energy

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Alex Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-998-1533, [email protected]; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100