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GNWT disputes CEEA findings

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) argues that it’s committed to energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases, but in 2009 National Energy Efficiency Report Card—released on August 19 by the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA)—the territories were downgraded from a B+ in 2007 to a C.

According to the report, the NWT follows the National Building Code of Canada, which fails in its energy efficiency objectives, particularly in northern climates. While no NWT building code exists, the NWT government says its building standards are beyond those of the National Building Code.

“GNWT buildings are required to meet energy efficiency requirements of the Federal EcoENERGY program for new buildings,” said Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger. “This program follows the same requirements as the discontinued Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP), and means all buildings must be 25% more energy efficient than a comparable building built to the minimum requirements of the National Building Code.”

The NWT Housing Corporation has developed its own brand, ecobuild80plus, to reflect its commitment to designing, building and retrofitting houses that meet or exceed EnerGuide 80, according to the territorial government. The GNWT adds that the corporation is in the process of developing enclosure designs that will exceed these standards.

“It is unfortunate the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance didn’t take into account the code requirements we do follow for all GNWT buildings, NWT Housing Corporation buildings and buildings in the City of Yellowknife,” said Miltenberger. “We are committed to increasing the energy efficiency of all buildings across the Northwest Territories, and continue to work with other organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the cost of living.”

To highlight its case, the GNWT says it continues to support and maintain energy-efficiency programs and initiatives, including: the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program; the Alternative Energy Technologies Program; and the Energy Conservation Program.

For more information, go to www.energyefficiency.org.

August 25, 2010  By  John Gilson