TORONTO, Jun 27, 2006 -- Canada NewsWire

The McGuinty government is proposing regulatory changes that will promote energy efficiency and reduce electricity demand, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today.

"Across Ontario, large buildings are being cooled by old, inefficient cooling units," said Broten. By phasing out their use, we are helping manage the province's energy usage and improving the air we breathe."

The proposed regulation would require owners to either replace older industrial, commercial and institutional refrigeration and air condition units and chillers, or retrofit them to be more energy efficient and use alternative refrigerants.

These proposed changes could save up to 50 megawatts of electricity - enough to power over 11,000 homes and will help protect the environment by phasing out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The proposed changes also support industry stewardship programs, which will help to ensure the safe collection, storage and disposal of surplus CFCs in the most environmentally friendly way.

"Energy conservation is a key part of Ontario's new energy future," said Jeff Leal, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy. "This is another example of our government's comprehensive approach to achieve aggressive electricity conservation targets."

"Replacing old, inefficient chillers helps protect the environment, and ultimately, our health," said Peter Love, Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer. "New energy efficient equipment reduces peak electricity demand in the summer and costs less to operate. This is a great step towards achieving a culture of conservation."

New technology is up to 50 per cent more energy-efficient and is less expensive to maintain and operate. Many owners have already replaced old equipment to take advantage of the energy and cost savings.

"We are pleased that the largest remaining users of CFCs, commercial chillers, will be regulated for an orderly change-out of equipment along with collection and disposal of the chemical," says Beatrice Olivastri, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of the Earth Canada. "Ontarians and citizens of the planet win on this amendment - protecting the ozone layer helps to protect against skin cancer, eye disease and weakened immune systems."

This initiative is just one more way the McGuinty government is protecting Ontario communities and the environment. Other initiatives include:

"The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada fully supports Ontario's adoption of these important amendments to the Ozone-Depleting Substances regulation. These regulatory changes provide a clear message to our industry and equipment owners that it is time to move away from CFC refrigerants."

Warren Heeley

President

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada

"BOMA takes an active role in promoting and recognizing environmental stewardship and excellence within our industry through our annual Earth Award for Environmental Excellence and the Go Green Energy and Environmental Management Program. Launched in 2005, Go Green has been adopted by a number of leaders in the ICI real estate sector, as well as the government, and will soon be the leading benchmarking system for existing buildings in Ontario. The move towards eliminating ozone depleting substances is one huge step forward in the province's efforts to protect our future."

Edward J. (Ted) Aldcroft

Co-Chair BOMA Toronto Energy and Environment Forum

Member BOMA Toronto, Strategic Energy Committee

"For too long, government has succumbed to pressure from interest groups and avoided introducing tougher regulations for the use of ozone depleting CFC's. Enwave applauds the Minister's initiative."

Dennis Fotinos

President and Chief Executive Officer

Enwave Energy Corporation

"When we're out there on the streets of Ontario asking people to use less electricity, raise the thermostat, use window fans and natural cooling, or buy a more efficient air conditioner, it's nice to know that the Ministry is also calling on large building owners to do their part. By phasing out CFCs in large building air conditioning units, the Ontario government is raising public confidence, promoting energy efficiency and making it easier for us to ask everyone to pitch in and conserve."

Chris Winter

Executive Director

Conservation Council of Ontario

Disponible en francais

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of the Environment

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