“Meeting the energy needs of our office buildings is not only a major expense but it has a significant impact on our environment,” said Minister Paradis. “Some of these buildings are over 150 years old, using technology from the 1950s—it is time to rethink how we do things.”
“Energy production is a rapidly evolving sector with many new possibilities for reducing our environmental footprint,” stressed the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment. “We are going to work with industry to place Canada on a greener, more cost-efficient path.”
“By tapping into private sector expertise and experience this government will take tangible action towards protecting the environment, while ensuring best value for Canadians,” added Minister Paradis.
Public Works and Government Services Canada’s (PWGSC) central heating and cooling plants will require major investments to improve their energy and environmental efficiency. We are taking a strategic approach to ensure the portfolio and any related projects continue to provide secure and reliable energy services while respecting the environment and taxpayers’ dollars.
Today PWGSC is launching a consultation process through a Request for Information. Industry briefings will be held in major cities across the country this fall, and industry will have until October 30 to provide the government with information on technologies and services that could help meet its requirements.
This undertaking complements the significant progress PWGSC has made in improving the environmental performance of federal office buildings across Canada.
Documents related to this project can be found on MERX™, the government’s electronic tendering service (www.merx.com).