Downtown Pickering Condo Retrofit Strengthens Economy and Environment Pickering, ON – December 4, 2008 – A condominium in downtown Pickering is installing 76 solar thermal panels to become more energy efficient, and environmentally responsible. The solar panels are being installed on the roof of 1200 The Esplanade, an Options for Homes condo built by Deltera, to heat the building’s water supply. Regular water heaters utilize electricity or natural gas - a non-renewable resource. In contrast, solar energy is free to collect, has zero-emissions and is renewable. GTA-based Glenbarra Energy Solutions Inc is managing this large-scale sustainable project. Glenbarra Energy is a leader in solar thermal design and installation and has multiple residential and commercial projects, both new build and retrofit, currently underway in the province. In addition, the state-of-the-art solar thermal system is manufactured by Enerworks, an Ontario-based company. This sustainable endeavour is of twofold importance as it strengthens both the local environment and economy. To help offset capital costs, applicable Federal and Provincial governments’ rebates will pay for approximately half of the project. Based on current energy prices and excluding carbon credit trading, the estimated return on investment is 10 years. However, should energy prices spike, the payback period will be shortened considerably. The City of Pickering has embarked on a journey to become the most sustainable community in North America. In 2009, it will launch the Sustainable Pickering Challenge, and showcase this specific initiative to inspire other residences, businesses and organizations to become more sustainable. As well, the Pickering Recreation Complex is undergoing a $4.9 million expansion that will include key sustainable features such as a green roof, solar panels and multiple lighting and energy retrofits. “The City of Pickering is an active participant in the Partners for Climate Protection program. We have a city-wide per capita target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2016,” said Councillor Doug Dickerson, Chair, Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee. “I am pleased that this retrofit will reduce the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 metric tons annually.” “The City of Pickering is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost municipal leaders in sustainability, and I am pleased that this project will strengthen this reputation,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “This highly visible project is right in the heart of our downtown core, and will serve as a leadership and ideological example to residents and visitors alike.” - 30 - Media Contact: |
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