Kitchener Century Home A Showcase For Energy Efficiency "The REEP House demonstrates that conserving our heritage and conserving energy can go hand in hand. It also sends a strong message to fellow Ontarians about the importance of an energy efficient house - and about how implementing these changes in your own home can benefit both your energy costs and the environment," says Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

June 16, 2010 5:10 PM McGuinty Government Promotes A Culture Of Conservation

A century-old house in Kitchener-Waterloo is giving Ontarians an up-close look at the next generation of energy-efficient retrofits. Part of Kitchener's Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) House for Sustainable Living, the 105-year-old house has received the most thorough energy retrofit of any century-old home in Canada. Once complete later this year, it is designed to meet LEED Platinum standards and showcase a wide range of water- and energy-efficient technologies to the public.

Features of house include: high insulation and air-sealing features, a solar pre-heating system and heat-pump technology. Its windows maximize energy efficiency and solar energy, while enhancing the heritage features of the home, such as its stained glass windows.

Supporting home retrofits is just one way the Ontario government is working to build a culture of conservation in the province. Conservation is an important part of Ontario's climate change plan and is a cornerstone of the province's Green Energy Act. Ontario is committed to conserving at least 6,300 MW by 2025 - one of the most aggressive conservation targets in North America. QUICK FACTS

* The extensive retrofit of this home was undertaken by local Kitchener-Waterloo businesses and non-profit organizations as a demonstration site that people can visit to learn how they can make their own homes more energy and water efficient. * The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program has provided $51.6 million to help Ontario homeowners complete over 348,000 home energy audits, and $205 million to help more than 160,000 Ontarians complete home energy retrofits. * The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEARN MORE

* Participating electricity distribution companies offer peaksaver® to their residential and small business customers. Find out how you can sign up. * Check the conservation and renewable energy program database for programs to help you conserve energy.

CONTACTS

* Amy Tang Minister's Office 416-327-6747 amy.tang@nullontario.ca

* Anne Smith Communications Branch 416-327-7226 Anne.Smith@nullontario.ca

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