November 26, 2009

Gatineau, Quebec – The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, is pleased to announce the launch of the Intelligent Buildings project, a prototype business model that will monitor and control mechanical, heating and lighting systems in Government of Canada buildings.

This prototype, a proof of concept, will incorporate new technology into the existing automated systems of two Government of Canada facilities. If successful, the new technology could reduce the annual energy costs of certain federal buildings by up to 20 percent.

"This Government is investing in cutting edge technology to reduce the footprint of our federal buildings," said Minister Paradis. "We are working to find new and innovative ways to improve how energy within federal buildings is managed and thus reduce our overall energy consumption."

"We are actively working with PWGSC to make this project a reality," said Ron Zimmer, Chief Executive Officer of the Continental Automated Buildings Association. "As contemporary leaders, we have a duty to ensure responsible management of the resources at our disposal. It just makes good environmental sense."

Current statistics indicate that the Government of Canada spends $68 million a year on energy for the 350 federal buildings owned by PWGSC. Given the number of government buildings across the country, implementing this large-scale initiative would allow PWGSC to reduce its overall energy consumption and significantly improve its environmental performance.

For more information on the Intelligent Buildings project and how the Government of Canada is working to green its operations, please consult the backgrounder.

• Increasing energy efficiency using intelligent building technology - Backgrounder