Department of Natural Resources
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Released: 12 March, 2003

Energy-Saving Building A First For Atlantic Canada

HALIFAX — A new multi-unit residential building in Halifax received special recognition today for its energy-saving design and features. The property is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada to receive a Government of Canada incentive for energy efficiency. Halifax West MP Geoff Regan, on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, made the presentation to Dr. Elie Chater, President of Almon Investments.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) contributed $48,660 to the project as part of its Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP). This program promotes energy efficiency in industrial, commercial and institutional buildings. Owners can receive the incentive for new or extensively renovated buildings.

“This project shows real leadership in Atlantic Canada toward improving the lives of Canadians through energy savings,” said Mr. Regan. “Using less energy protects the environment, lowers costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. These reductions help us meet our commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.”

“This energy-efficiency program, sponsored by the Government of Canada, is a win-win proposition for all of us,” said Dr. Chater. “The consumer benefits from a more comfortable lifestyle and the developer benefits from the long-term energy savings and the short-term payback of his added investment.”

The Almon Street building makes use of energy-efficient lighting, window and insulation design, as well as heat-recovery ventilator systems and hot-water baseboard convectors, which lower fan energy consumption for the building. These energy-saving options can lower operating costs, which increases the resale value of the building and provides a competitive leasing advantage over standard buildings.

CBIP was introduced in 1998 to encourage energy-efficient design practices and to bring about lasting changes in the Canadian building design and construction industry. The program offers a one-time financial incentive to offset the cost of designing energy-efficient commercial and institutional buildings. Commercial building owners who wish to participate in CBIP can
contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 1-877-360-5500 or by e-mail at cbip.pebc@nrcan.gc.ca.

Almon Investments is a newly created Halifax-based company involved in residential and commercial construction projects. Its goal, to create a quality building in the Almon Street neighbourhood, was achieved through research and past experience.

NRCan is a Government of Canada department that promotes the sustainable development and responsible use of Canada’s natural resources, including energy, minerals and metals, and forests. Through its Office of Energy Efficiency, NRCan offers 19 programs, including CBIP, that help Canadians save energy, save money and protect the environment.

This initiative builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to a healthy environment, ensuring the quality of life in our communities and our continued economic prosperity — for the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future generations. Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget.

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