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BC first in North America to launch EnerChoice label system - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

BC first in North America to launch EnerChoice label system

Mar 26th, 2007 3:50 AM

B.C. first in North America to launch EnerChoice label system EnerChoice certification label identifies only the highest efficiency in gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts (Coquitlam, British Columbia, March 22, 2007) Today, British Columbia became the first province in Canada and the first North American jurisdiction to adopt the EnerChoice certification for high efficiency hearth appliances. EnerChoice is an exclusive endorsement developed by a joint government, utility and industry committee, including the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC), Terasen Gas, and the government of British Columbia. It recognizes gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts that are considered 'the most heat efficient' in their category. EnerChoice can only be applied to freestanding stoves that have an EnerGuide rating that is 66% efficient or higher, fireplaces that are 62.4% efficient or higher and inserts* that are 61% efficient or higher. Tex McLeod, Manager of HPBAC, said the decision to launch the EnerChoice program here in B.C. was no coincidence. "The B.C. government's recent decision to make efficiency and conservation a government priority makes the EnerChoice certification that much more significant. British Columbia was the first to embrace gas fireplaces, and communities like Duncan, Delta, Penticton and Victoria, are important centres of gas fireplace production," said McLeod. In Canada, all gas hearth appliances must be tested by the Canadian Standards Association for safety and efficiency. The EnerGuide system assigns a number to an appliance so that consumers can see its efficiency. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. "We are proud to be involved with the EnerChoice program," stated Sarah Smith, Manager, Marketing and Energy Efficiency with Terasen Gas. "We are educating consumers and helping the B.C. government and HPBAC reach their objective of leading the field in the adoption of energy efficiency gas appliances. This is a cause which Terasen Gas values." -30- For more information on EnerChoice, contact: Jonathan Laderoute, ECO, 416-972-7401, laderoutej(at)huffstrategy.com EnerChoice is a new and unique, Canada-wide endorsement reserved for gas fireplaces and stoves that are considered 'the most heat efficient' in their category as determined by a joint government, utility and industry committee and is managed by HPBAC. It represents the top 25% in each category. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is a trade association representing the interests of those engaged in the hearth, patio and barbecue industries. The association coordinates and integrates the needs of industry dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers and provides educational and networking opportunities to its members on both national and regional levels. ( www.hpbacanada.org).