EcoEnergy audits to be offered throughout Ontario by GreenSaver and Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

Dec 11th, 2008 3:44 AM

Media Release Greensaver and OAHI - our new province-wide green team (Toronto, December 11th, 2008) GreenSaver and the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) have joined forces to offer EcoENERGY home audits across Ontario. Beginning in January 2009, OAHI members will be trained and integrated into the GreenSaver service areas. This will provide a one stop approach to home energy assessments, ensuring quality and consistency across every region of Ontario. OAHI President Glenn Gogal remarked: "This is a great fit. Our membership completes over 40,000 home inspections a year, and we've noticed a steady increase in concern about energy efficiency. Home buyers are asking about everything from draft-proofing to furnace efficiency to insulation. Our inspectors will be even better prepared to provide consumers with direct access to energy efficiency incentive programs." Vladan Veljovic, President of GreenSaver, observed: "Since the Province is considering mandatory energy efficiency for resale residences through Bill 101, we felt a responsibility to ensure that appropriate numbers of experienced, well trained individuals were in place to meet the demand." The Home Energy Audit Act, better know as Bill 101, inspired the joint arrangement when it was introduced by Ottawa area MPP Phil McNeely earlier this year. Mr. Veljovic cited a conversation during which Mr. McNeely, while advocating for his Bill, observed that implementing it or any other large scale energy efficiency legislation, would require a substantial number of trained auditors. Mr. Veljovic and Gogal took this as their cue to assemble a coalition which could supply the necessary personnel. On learning about the GreenSaver and OAHI joint initiative, MPP McNeely expressed both support and delight. "I'm very glad that, together, GreenSaver and OAHI have stepped up to the plate. Having a sufficient pool of trained professionals is crucial to making Bill 101 work. At the same time, we'll kickstart green job creation throughout the province. Both groups are to be commended for their foresight and organizational acumen." Best estimates suggest that Ontario will require a minimum of 1,500 home energy auditors to fill the demand generated by Bill 101 or similar legislation. "We're thrilled to be delivering such an important service,' added Veljovic. "Home energy audits are an extremely effective way of supporting an environmentally friendly lifestyle and reducing utility bills at the same time. We're also creating revenue alternatives for a group that will be among the first affected by any economic slowdown." For more information on GreenSaver, or to schedule an EcoENERGY assessment, visit www.greensaver.org or call 416-203-3106. -30- To schedule media interviews with a GreenSaver or OAHI spokesperson, contact: Tina Siegel (Environmental Communication Options) at 416-972-7401 or tsiegel(at)huffstrategy.com To schedule an appointment to find out more about the training process, contact: Tracey Chong (GreenSaver) at 416-203-3106 Green$aver is an independent non-profit corporation dedicated to environmental energy efficiency. They have pioneered Ontario residential energy conservation for 25 years with economically viable and environmentally friendly measures to help individuals and organizations with their energy need (www.greensaver.org). Home inspections began as a consumer service in the early 1970's in direct response to the growing demand by home buyers. The OAHI is dedicated to enhancing the technical skills and professional practice of home inspectors, and maintaining high professional standards through education and discipline. (www.oahi.com)

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EcoEnergy audits to be offered throughout Ontario by GreenSaver and Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

Dec 11th, 2008 3:44 AM