Suzuki Brings Energy Efficiency, Conservation Message to Nova Scotians

A new multi-media campaign asks Nova Scotians to think about how they can reduce their energy use.

The campaign, launched today, June 9, features David Suzuki in a series of television and online advertisements to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Mr. Suzuki is co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, and an award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster.

"With rising energy costs, people are looking for ways to use less energy. Mr. Suzuki is a well-respected scientist and environmentalist who will help bring attention to energy efficiency and conservation in Nova Scotia," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "By using less energy, Nova Scotians can help us realize our goal to have one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world by 2020."

The first commercial in the three-part series features a group of children in a playhouse with Mr. Suzuki. The children express surprise and concern that their parents are not conserving energy. The second and third ads will air in the summer and fall.

"Meeting our energy needs without interfering with our global climate system is a challenge we must meet for the sake of future generations," said Mr. Suzuki. "I commend Nova Scotians wanting to make energy efficiency and conservation a part of their daily lives."

The ads were originally created by the Ontario government. Mr. Suzuki volunteered to appear in them at no charge and invited other provinces to use them. Research shows the ads have been effective in getting the energy-efficiency and conservation message to consumers. More than 30 per cent of consumers surveyed about the ads recalled the energy-conservation message and 79 per cent recalled David Suzuki.

Since Conserve Nova Scotia was created in 2006, the agency has helped more than 300,000 Nova Scotians. With more than 50 programs and initiatives, Conserve Nova Scotia is helping Nova Scotians make better energy choices, use energy more efficiently, and reduce energy consumption.

More information, tips and ideas about energy efficiency and conservation, are available on the website at www.conservens.ca or by calling the toll-free EnerInfo line at 1-800-670-4636.