OTTAWA — Excellence in energy efficiency was showcased and celebrated with the presentation of the ENERGY STAR Market Transformation Awards yesterday. The awards, presented annually by the Government of Canada, recognize leadership in a wide range of energy-efficient products, technologies and services.
“Energy efficiency is an important tool for addressing climate change, promoting economic activity and supporting energy security,” said Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean–Carleton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our Government is pleased to recognize these organizations for their contribution to promoting energy efficiency, which helps Canadians control their energy costs.”
ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for premium energy efficiency. Introduced in Canada in 2001, the ENERGY STAR label is displayed on 50 product categories, including home electronics, major appliances, lighting, office equipment and residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.
Depending on the type of product, an ENERGY STAR-qualified model can reduce energy consumption and costs by 10 to 65 percent compared with a conventional product. Energy-efficient products help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants that contribute to climate change.
Product advancements and the availability of more efficient products for consumers contributed to a 25 percent improvement in energy efficiency between 1990 and 2005, which translates into $6.1 billion in energy savings in 2005 for Canadians .
The Government of Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, a target in line with similar U.S. policy. Since 2006, the Harper government has invested close to $10 billion to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable environment through investments in green infrastructure, energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and the production of cleaner energy and cleaner fuels.