The Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance, a group of industry, municipal and non-profit organizations and associations, today released a paper calling on the Government of Alberta to maximize energy efficiency within the Alberta Building Code.
"Efficient buildings save people money from day one," says John Rilett, chair of the AEEA Board. "There is no better way to guarantee the energy performance of every new building in the province."
The research completed by the AEEA showed that many provinces are moving towards EnerGuide 80 as the new standard for efficient home construction, while the Model National Energy Code for Buildings and ASHRAE 90.1, an industry standard for efficient buildings, are being used for larger buildings.
Rilett also says, "A strong building code will benefit every homeowner and every business that occupies a building in the province. The energy savings can be greater than any increased cost of construction, particularly since the purchase cost is often amortized over 20 or 30 years."
In addition, the leaders of the G8 countries have stated that energy efficiency is the most cost effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the cause of global climate change.
In its Provincial Energy Strategy (December 2008), the Government of Alberta committed to "[s]trengthen building codes to ensure new housing and building stock being put in place for the future is as efficient as possible." The Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance is hoping to work with the government to ensure this is done in the best interests of Albertans.
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For more information contact:
Jesse Row, 403-483-4810
