The Government of Canada unveiled the annual ENERGY STAR® Market Transformation Awards the other day. The awards recognized organizations from across the country for their exceptional efforts in promoting energy efficient products and services to Canadians. There are more than 1400 organizations and builders that participate in the ENERGY STAR® program.
The labeling and promotion of products with the ENERGY STAR® trademark helps to encourage consumers to purchase the most energy-efficient products, technology and services available.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of ENERGY STAR, the international symbol for premium energy efficiency, which was introduced in Canada in 2001. The ENERGY STAR label is displayed on 50 product categories, including home electronics, major appliances, lighting, windows and doors, office equipment and residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment. “
Listed below are the ten winners and the awards category that they represent with a brief paragraph about the company. For a complete description of the achievements of each winner I would suggest that you visit Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency Web site.
Canadian 2011 Energy Star® Award Winners
Manufacturer of the year: Whirlpool Canada LP
Whirlpool is truly a green leader in Canada. The company’s unwavering commitment to continuously improve its products and expand market share for ENERGY STAR qualified models has earned Whirlpool Canada its third consecutive award as Manufacturer of the Year, marking the sixth time in nine years that Whirlpool has won this category.
Manufacturer of the year – Windows, doors and skylights: All Weather Windows Ltd.
More than 95 percent of All Weather Windows’ product line is ENERGY STAR qualified. In 2010, the company offered close to 1400 qualified products through hundreds of retail locations, builders and contractors across Canada, shipping more than 300 000 ENERGY STAR qualified windows and doors to consumers.
Manufacturer of the year – Commercial Products: HABCO Beverage Systems Inc.
HABCO Beverage Systems Inc. is a recognized industry innovator, with more than 50 years of experience in the commercial refrigeration, beverage and foodservice industry. Given the company’s commitment to technological innovation and excellence in every aspect of its business, it’s no surprise that HABCO has emerged as an industry leader in the manufacture of ENERGY STAR qualified commercial products.
Retailer of the year - Sears Canada Inc.
Sears Canada believes that promoting energy efficiency is important to the company’s success and vision of improving the lives of Canadians. Sears’ ability to put that philosophy into action has earned the company its fourth consecutive award as ENERGY STAR Retailer of the Year.
More than 2000 ENERGY STAR qualified products are sold by Sears across Canada. ENERGY STAR qualified models now account for 100 percent of windows and tank less water heaters sold by Sears; more than 90 percent of dishwashers, televisions, DVD players and dehumidifiers; more than 70 percent of refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners; and more than 50 percent of light bulbs, light fixtures, freezers and heat recovery ventilators.
Utility of the year (Provincial) - Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec believes that every small step to improve energy efficiency contributes to the collective good. This philosophy underpins Energy Wise, the company’s comprehensive energy conservation program for residential customers. Year after year, Hydro-Québec’s innovative programs and campaigns are responsible for increased awareness of the ENERGY STAR symbol and energy efficiency. In fact, 76 percent of residents surveyed say they have changed their habits to save energy at home.
Utility of the year (Regional) - Maritime Electric Company, Limited
Maritime Electric delivers power to more than 90 percent of electrical customers on Prince Edward Island. Thanks to a suite of energy conservation programs implemented in 2010, the utility is also delivering the tools, products and information Islanders need to reduce their electricity consumption and environmental footprint.
The ENERGY STAR symbol played a key supporting role in four conservation programs delivered by Maritime Electric in 2010. These included “Winter Challenge,” a campaign to encourage customers to reduce their electricity consumption in December, the peak demand period for electric power on P.E.I. As an incentive, the utility matched the savings up to 10 percent for customers who reduced their consumption, and customers who exceeded the 10 percent target qualified for a draw to win one of five prizes of free electricity for a year.
Participant of the year – Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University in Halifax is widely regarded as one of Canada’s leading post-secondary institutions. Now, Dalhousie is showing leadership in another way in becoming the first university in Canada to become an ENERGY STAR Participant.
Since joining the program in 2009, Dalhousie has actively promoted ENERGY STAR qualified products through training workshops, procurement documentation, social marketing and other activities. The university’s Office of Sustainability has targeted key purchasers on campus, including those working in Facilities Management, Housing and Conference Services, Purchasing, Information Technology Services and the Student Union. Awareness and education initiatives have also targeted individual purchasers on campus, including students.
Advocate of the year - Ontario Power Authority
Ontario has one of the most ambitious electricity conservation targets in North America and possibly the world, and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is working hard to achieve it ahead of schedule. The number and range of conservation initiatives delivered by the OPA have increased year after year, taking full advantage of ENERGY STAR as a recognized and trusted symbol of energy efficiency to drive energy savings across the province.
Recruit of the year – London Drugs Ltd.
London Drugs Ltd. is not your typical drugstore. With 75 locations across western Canada, the company sells everything from pharmacy products and general merchandise to home theater systems, computers and even energy-efficient light fixtures. In fact, London Drugs recently became the first retailer in Canada to sell only ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures.
Collaborative initiative of the year – British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
BC Hydro Power Smart strives to foster a culture of conservation in British Columbia, with the goal of making energy efficiency a way of life and doing business across the province. The utility builds exceptional relationships with manufacturers, retailers and other partners, helping to drive cumulative annual energy savings of almost 1800 gigawatt hours.
Sustained excellence - Sears Canada Inc.
Sears Canada has set a goal of becoming the number one destination for energy-efficient products and the first place Canadians think of when they want to reduce their utility bills. The company’s deep-rooted commitment to transforming the market toward increased energy efficiency – backed by a decade-long track record of promoting ENERGY STAR in Canada – has earned Sears the coveted 2011 ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence.
Sears has been a perennial winner of ENERGY STAR Recognition Awards in Canada. The company has been named Retailer of the Year five times and was Participant of the Year in 2005. It is recognition well-earned, as Sears continually strives to surpass its impressive ENERGY STAR achievements year after year.
[Source: NRCanrcan.gc.ca]
