New Designs Save Money, Promote Energy Efficiency

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--New Designs Save Money, Promote Energy Efficiency

New design standards in provincial buildings are saving money for taxpayers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nova Scotians can expect to save about $600,000 this year in energy costs for 12 new buildings -- 11 schools and a secure treatment facility. Over 25 years, the savings should be almost $15 million.

Greenhouse gas emissions will also be cut by about 3,372 tonnes annually -- the equivalent of exhaust from 1,000 cars.

"This is exciting work, and it helps us build a healthier Nova Scotia and a more sustainable future for our children," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We are meeting the challenges of the 21st century."

Nova Scotia's Energy Strategy commits the province to reducing energy use in government facilities. The savings are being realized thanks to new energy efficient designs and materials for walls, roofs and foundations, and energy-efficient systems for heating, lighting and ventilation.

"Improving energy efficiency helps to improve our environment and save money," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "By investing in initiatives to reduce our consumption, we're demonstrating to Nova Scotians the many benefits of choosing energy efficient products for use in their homes and businesses."

Clean Nova Scotia applauded the province's work.

"Clean Nova Scotia commends the leadership that the provincial government has taken in addressing energy efficiency and climate change in new buildings," said Angela Griffiths, executive director of Clean Nova Scotia. "We look forward to more energy efficiency initiatives in the future."

Mr. Russell said all new provincial buildings constructed by Transportation and Public Works will continue to be built to these modern energy-efficient standards.

Also, as part of this work, a design engineer with Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Public Works received an Energy Efficiency Recognition Award on Monday, Nov. 10, from the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada. The award recognizes Phillip Cox's work in exceeding the voluntary energy- efficient, new construction design standards as laid out by the federal government in its Commercial Building Incentive Program.

For more information on the federal government's Commercial Building Incentive Program, visit the website at http://oee.rncan.gc.ca/newbuildings/ .