News and Resources

Press Release, March 23, 2000

Canadian Companies to Develop Innovative Technology to reduce GHG emissions

TORONTO, March 23, 2000 — These new systems will take us one step closer to a new generation of innovative heating and ventilation systems for Canadian homes that save money while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Six manufacturing teams have won a competition to develop a new type of system that integrates space and water heating and ventilation into one unit, using natural gas as a fuel.

The Advanced Integrated Mechanical Systems (AIMS) project is a joint industry-government initiative to help manufacturers develop products and market infrastructure. Government of Canada funding for this project was announced in August 1999 by Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, and Environment Minister David Anderson.

"These products could revolutionize residential heating and ventilation in the years ahead," said Minister Goodale. "By using an integrated, energy-efficient system, Canadians will save money from reduced heating bills while they help save the environment with reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

"We expect that, by using AIMS, Canadians could reduce their annual emissions from ventilation, and space and water heating by an average of 25 percent," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "They will also have reduced costs, a comfortable living environment and improved indoor air quality."

Six companies were the successful bidders in a competitive process that was open to heating, ventilation and air conditioning manufacturers across Canada. Four of the manufacturing teams are from Ontario: Ecologix Heating Technologies Inc., Olsen Technology Inc., Tirino Corporation and the Vebteck, Fleetline, Nutech Alliance. The other two companies are located in Nova Scotia: Kerr Heating Products and NuAir Ventilation Systems Inc.

Over the next year, these manufacturers will develop and test systems that are more energy-efficient while cost-competitive with other residential heating and ventilating technologies; moreover, they incorporate smart controls. The CANMET Energy Technology Centre will arrange early laboratory testing. Initial in-house demonstrations will be conducted at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology in Ottawa, and then field trials will be undertaken in about 120 Canadian homes. At the same time, a performance rating system and training programs for designers and installers will be developed.

The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is administering the AIMS project. Total federal contribution to this project is approximately $3.6 million. Government of Canada funding for AIMS breaks down as follows: $2.9 million from the Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) component of the federal Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF), $475,000 from Natural Resources Canada's CANMET Energy Technology Centre and $240,000 from the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program.

The $150-million Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) was established by the Government of Canada in the 1998-99 federal budget. The CCAF supports projects that have the potential to reduce GHG emissions as well as increase understanding of climate change. The TEAM portion of the CCAF focusses on supporting investments in the development and deployment of technology to reduce GHG emissions, while sustaining economic development.

For more information, media may contact:

Pat Breton, Press Secretary, Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007

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