Saving Energy, Dollars and Helping the Environment

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Saving Energy, Dollars and Helping the Environment

The province is using a made-in-Nova Scotia furnace fuel that blends fish oil with petroleum. The unique, high-tech mixture is heating 20 government buildings in Halifax, Truro and Dartmouth.

"So far the results are promising," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works in a speech to the committee on supply. "The costs are the same as conventional fuel and it is expected to reduce harmful emissions in addition to removing a product from the waste stream."

Wilson Fuel Ltd. of Halifax and Ocean Nutrition of Bedford developed the blended fuel using a byproduct from Ocean Nutrition's marine food supplements.

Mr. Russell also noted the other steps Transportation and Public Works is taking to meet government's Energy Strategy. The department has new design standards for provincial buildings that will reduce energy costs.

"We expect to save taxpayers about $15 million over the next 25 years by paying less for heat, electricity and hot water in our new buildings," said Mr. Russell. "All new buildings constructed by Transportation and Public Works will be built to these modern standards."

These savings are also expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 3,372 tonnes annually -- the equivalent of exhaust from 1,000 cars.

Mr. Russell also noted the work of department engineer Phil Cox, who is spearheading work in this area.

"Reducing energy use is an important component of government's work in this field," said Mr. Russell. "By using these fuels in provincial buildings, we're also acting on our commitment to investigate the use of alternative energy sources."

Nova Scotia's Energy Strategy commits the province to reducing energy use in government facilities.