One-Tonne Challenge creates business opportunities.A growing segment of Saskatchewan's $250 million environmental sector provides energy-efficiency services aimed in part at reducing the greenhouse gas greenhouse gasn. Any of the atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. greenhouse gas (GHG GHG Greenhouse Gas GHG Governor's Horse Guard (various locations) ) emissions that contribute to climate change. Many businesses such as automobile dealers and heating supply companies are competing to provide consumers with new energy-efficient products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The One-Tonne Challenge The One-Tonne Challenge was a challenge presented by the Government of Canada in March 2004 for Canadians to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne each year. The figure represents 20% of total greenhouse gas output by Canadians and aims to help the country reach its is a federal program that encourages individuals to reduce their annual emissions of GHGs by about 20%, or one tonne tonne measure of weight or mass; 1 tonne=1000 kg. See also ton. . Since responses to the One-Tonne Challenge include consumer investments in technologies such as high-efficiency furnaces, fuel-efficient cars, and compact fluorescent fluorescent having the quality of fluorescence. fluorescent antibody see fluorescence microscopy. fluorescent antibody test see fluorescence microscopy. light bulbs, it represents a significant business opportunity. Statistics show that Saskatchewan residents have a strong interest in the One-Tonne Challenge. It follows that participation in programs like Saskatchewan's PST PST Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, see there rebate/exemption on energy-efficient appliances have far exceeded expectations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new set of energy conservation programs recently announced by the province will further encourage the public to undertake energy-efficiency measures. The six new initiatives, part of the Energy Share Conservation Program, involve short-term assistance to reduce energy costs and longer-term conservation measures, including: * A PST exemption on ENERGY STAR-rated furnaces and boilers. It is expected that up to 15,000 customers could benefit with savings of up to $135 each. Households using natural gas for heating could also save up to $610 per year on their heating bills by installing a high-efficiency furnace furnace, enclosed space for the burning of fuel. There are many kinds of furnaces, the type depending upon the fuel and the use to which the heat produced within it is put. Most familiar are the furnaces used in the heating of buildings. , reducing their GHG emissions by about 2.5 tonnes per year. Businesses can also take advantage of the program. * A $45 rebate rebate, partial refund of the total price paid for goods or services. In the United States, rebates were historically given by railroads to favored shippers as a return on transportation charges. on ENERGY STAR-rated programmable thermostats A programmable thermostat is a thermostat which is designed to adjust the temperature according to a series of programmed settings that take effect at different times of the day. Programmable thermostats may also be called setback thermostats or clock thermostats. , which can save up to $90 per year on an annual heating bill for the average residence or business. * The existing federal EnerGuide for Houses EnerGuide for Houses is a Canadian program developed by the Office of Energy Efficiency of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). EnerGuide includes a house energy evaluation, including tests to find air leakage and the energy efficiency of its heating. Grants initiative helps finance energy conservation measures. Households book an initial EnerGuide audit which recommends ways to reduce energy consumption. Once the homeowner has completed their improvements, a second audit verifies the changes and notifies the government to provide the grant. -- Saskatchewan will provide funds to match the federal grants for changes made through the EnerGuide program. Ten thousand households in Saskatchewan have completed an initial EnerGuide audit, and will be eligible to receive both the federal and provincial grants upon completion of their second audit. -- Saskatchewan will cost share and expand on the recently announced federal EnerGuide for low-income households. -- Saskatchewan will introduce a new Saskatchewan EnerGuide for moderate income homeowners. * The sixth program will provide support for energy conservation measures in 500 low-income homes. Saskatchewan businesses have a number of opportunities to provide services related to these programs. Companies can initiate a campaign to help employees reduce their personal GHG emissions at home, at work, and on the road. Retail businesses can encourage customers to take the One-Tonne Challenge by linking the program to products through store displays and other forms of marketing. Companies can also enhance their brand by participating in a One-Tonne Challenge activity in their community. Saskatoon's Road Map 2020 Sustainability Champions program and the City of Regina's Community Challenge are examples of projects that welcome participation by business. Two organizations supported by the province, Climate Change Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Office of Energy Conservation, work together to promote the link between increased energy efficiency and the reduction of GHG emissions. Both promote a range of climate change solutions of interest to business and consumers alike. Check out the Climate Change Saskatchewan Web site at www.climatechangesask.ca or call 1-866-887-8823 for information. Carmelle Sikma is a Program Coordinator for Climate Change Saskatchewan at the Saskatchewan Research Council The Saskatchewan Research Council is a Saskatchewan, Canada technology corporation, owned by the province. It provides contract research, technology transfer and analytical services to companies in Saskatchewan and around the world. . |
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