EcoTrust Helps Cut Emissions
Nova Scotian farms, a boiler manufacturer, and a community curling rink will be equipped to cut greenhouse-gas and air-pollution emissions with assistance from the Nova Scotia EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change.
"These projects will reduce impact on the environment while providing a financial boost to local business. This speaks to the green economy we envision for Nova Scotia," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment.
These energy-saving and renewable-energy projects and programs have the potential to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 1270 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking 231 cars off the road. They are also expected to reduce air pollutants, including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, by a total of 650 kilograms per year.
The EcoTrust is contributing almost $343,000 to the projects.
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture will receive up to $37,000 to create an energy auditing system, custom made to help farmers determine their levels of energy use and ways to cut emissions.
"This funding will help farmers manage one of their fastest growing input costs, energy, as well as decrease greenhouse gas emissions," said Laurence Nason, chief executive officer, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.
Ten farms will be audited initially and feasible energy conservation options will be identified. The $37,000 project is expected to cut 120 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions each year. Air pollutants will also be reduced through less use of electricity and heating oil.
Parrsboro Metal Fabricators Ltd., also known as Kerr Heating Products, will develop, build, and test an energy-efficient boiler fueled by wood pellets.
"As a Nova Scotia business, Kerr is excited to use local expertise to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet our province's environmental targets," said Steven Wilson, company president. "Increased use of biomass pellets made from wood will reduce fossil fuel emissions and provide another market for local forestry products."
The proposed boiler may reduce emissions from commercial operations that switch from oil or electrical power by as much as 34 tonnes each year per unit. Emissions testing must be carried out to assess the level of potential reductions, as well as the impact on local air quality. The Nova Scotia EcoTrust is contributing up to $156,612 toward the $500,000 boiler project.
The EcoTrust is also helping fund an energy efficient addition to Windsor's new curling rink. The rink's icemaking plant will include a heat recovery component. The new rink replaces one destroyed by fire.
"This funding assistance will allow us to build an environmentally sound facility that will provide recreation for the communities of Windsor, West Hants and Hantsport, and will contribute to the economy of the area," said Rae Winkelaar, president of the Windsor Curling Club.
The Nova Scotia Eco-trust will cover the difference in cost between the new and the old ice making systems: a maximum of $149,060 of a $530,565 project. This change is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63 tonnes per year. Major air pollutants will be reduced by a total of 650 kilograms per year.
The three projects are funded under the Environmental Technologies Program of Nova Scotia EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change.
There will be more announcements soon of EcoTrust support for environmental projects. Protecting the environment is one of the government's five priorities.
Applications to the fund's Environmental Technology Program and its Municipal Program continue to be accepted. Deadlines are every three months until 2010, for both programs. Nova Scotia's EcoTrust for Clean Air and Climate Change is funded by the government of Canada.
To apply for project funding or for more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/ecotrust .